What: Policy Dialogue Series - High-Level Strategic Session on: "Civil Society, Philanthropy, and the Diaspora as Strategic Accelerators for the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD)"
Who: African Development Bank Group
When: Monday, 4 May 2026; 9:00 a.m-1:30 p.m. (GMT)
Where: Hybrid format: In-person at the CCIA Building in Abidjan, and online.
The African Development Bank Group, through its Civil Society and Community Engagement Division, will host a high-level strategic session as part of its Policy Dialogue Series on Monday, 4 May 2026.
This hybrid session will focus on operationalising the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD) through civic engagement. It aims to position civil society, philanthropic actors, and the African diaspora as strategic accelerators in implementing the African Development Bank Group's Four Cardinal Points strategic vision.
Despite holding an estimated $4 trillion in domestic savings, the continent faces an annual development financing gap estimated at over $400 billion. Bridging this gap requires more than just financial reforms and innovation; it demands a more inclusive and coordinated approach to resource mobilisation to deliver tangible development impact.
In this context, NAFAD provides a systemic framework to reshape how capital is mobilised and deployed across the continent. Civil society, diaspora networks, and philanthropic organisations--through their vast reach, resources, expertise, and community roots--represent vital levers for accelerating implementation, strengthening accountability, and maximising social impact.
Objectives of the Session
This high-level platform will:
- Explore concrete pathways to operationalise NAFAD through civic engagement.
- Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and co-investment.
- Co-create solutions aligned with the Bank Group's transformation agenda.
- Build momentum towards the Civil Society Event at the 2026 Annual Meetings and the upcoming Civil Society-Diaspora-Philanthropy Summit.
Participants
The session will bring together the Bank Group's Senior Management, civil society leaders, diaspora representatives, philanthropic organisations, and international strategic partners.
Register here to participate in the event.