Abu Dhabi's soft power in Africa runs on asphalt

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is making significant strides across three infrastructure projects in Africa, with road rehabilitation programmes in Togo, Madagascar and Nigeria progressing at pace.

Togo: 92% complete

The rehabilitation of the 62-kilometre Sokodé-Bassar road, financed by ADFD at approximately 37 million AED, is nearing completion. Beyond the road itself, the project includes stormwater management and flood protection works. Once delivered, it will strengthen connectivity between Lomé, the country's interior regions and neighbouring countries, reducing transport costs and improving road safety along a strategically important corridor.

Madagascar: 80% complete

ADFD is supervising the rehabilitation of National Road No. 5, a 117-kilometre two-lane highway, alongside the construction of seven new bridges, financed through a concessional loan exceeding 110 million AED. The project improves rural connectivity, facilitates access to healthcare and social services, and supports agriculture, industry and tourism across the island.

Nigeria: 45% complete

ADFD's first development project in Nigeria, the 82-kilometre Minna-Bida road in Niger State, financed at 165 million AED, is already delivering early impact. Upon completion, it is expected to cut travel time between the two cities by 50% and reduce vehicle operating costs by 31%, unlocking significant economic activity in both urban centres.

The bigger picture

"We are committed to ensuring that our development initiatives are implemented effectively and to the highest quality," said ADFD Director General H.E. Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, framing the three projects as an expression of the UAE's broader vision for sustainable development impact across the African continent.

Established on 15 July 1971 under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding president of the UAE, ADFD was created as an independent government-owned institution to channel Abu Dhabi's oil revenues into foreign aid.

It began operations with an initial capital of AED 500 million, extending concessionary loans and grants primarily for infrastructure projects in developing nations, focusing on transportation, energy, water and sanitation.