The African Development Bank (AfDB) and France are advancing a more integrated approach to financing projects, strengthening delivery, and widening private-sector participation across African countries, according to a press release published on September 21, 2026. The cooperation brings together Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group and Business France alongside the Bank Group's sovereign and non-sovereign operations, project preparation facilities, and regional presence. Together, these institutions link public finance, risk-sharing, technical expertise, and commercial capabilities across investment cycles. The partnership aims to broaden access to affordable capital and increase the impact of public resources. It also reflects a shared push to close persistent financing gaps on the continent.