The Global Energy and Fertiliser Crisis Response Framework, approved by the AfDB Board of Directors on September 1, 2026, is designed to provide emergency support while helping countries build stronger economic resilience against future shocks.
The framework will be funded through an additional $4.1 billion in AfDB lending and up to $960 million from the African Development Fund, the Bank Group’s concessional financing window.
The additional resources will increase AfDB’s 2026 lending target to about $12.7 billion.
The initiative follows rising concerns over the economic effects of continued instability in the Middle East, which has contributed to higher global prices for energy, food, fertiliser and other imported commodities.
Disruptions to major trade routes and shipping corridors have also increased transport costs, delayed deliveries and exposed weaknesses in supply chains across Africa.
The framework will operate for an initial period of one year and will provide support according to individual country needs and vulnerability levels.
AfDB said the programme would focus on four priorities.
The first is stabilising macroeconomic conditions through counter-cyclical financing, fiscal support and policy coordination during periods of economic stress.
The second focuses on protecting food, energy and fertiliser supply systems through emergency financing and trade support while helping vulnerable populations and maintaining market stability.
The third pillar aims to safeguard essential public spending and expand targeted social protection measures for vulnerable households, particularly women and young people.
The final pillar supports longer-term reforms designed to reduce dependence on volatile external energy, food and fertiliser markets, strengthen regional supply chains and improve future crisis preparedness.
“This framework is about listening and responding to the urgent needs of African countries, helping them protect households and vulnerable populations, keep food, fertiliser and energy systems functioning, and preserve hard-won development gains while building greater resilience for the future,” Acting Vice-President for Country and Regional Operations Abdul Kamara said.
“A crisis response must do more than cushion the shock. It must make countries stronger.”
Officer in Charge Vice-President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development Martin Fregene said the initiative would help address fertiliser shortages affecting African farmers.
“When fertiliser becomes too expensive or difficult to find, farmers use less and harvests can suffer,” Fregene said.
Fregene said improved access to finance would help businesses maintain fertiliser distribution while supporting efforts to develop stronger local fertiliser production and markets across Africa.
The framework builds on lessons from the Bank’s COVID-19 Response Facility and African Emergency Food Production Facility, combining immediate support with longer-term economic resilience measures.
–AfDB/Channelafrica–
