The African Development Bank Group is the leading pan-African development finance institution, established to promote sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty across the continent. Founded on August 4, 1963, in Khartoum, Sudan, it began operations on July 1, 1966, and is headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. With a capital base of USD 318 billion and strong support from its member countries, the Bank enjoys a AAA credit rating from major international rating agencies, reflecting its financial strength and sound governance. Since inception, it has approved over USD 200 billion in investments, supporting more than 6,000 operations that drive development and resilience across Africa.

Structure and Membership

The African Development Bank Group comprises three entities:

· The African Development Bank, established in 1964 – the lending arm of the African Development Bank Group for middle-income and creditworthy African countries.

· The African Development Fund (ADF), established in 1972 – provides concessional financing to low-income countries.

· The Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF) – established by Nigeria in 1976 to support disadvantaged member countries.

The Bank has 81 member countries: 54 African nations (regional members) and 27ZS non-African countries (non-regional members).

Mission and Strategic Priorities

The African Development Bank's mission is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries.

Its strategic priorities, known as the "High 5s," are:

1. Light Up and Power Africa
2. Feed Africa
3. Industrialize Africa
4. Integrate Africa
5. Improve the Quality of Life for the People      of Africa

These priorities align with the Bank's Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033), aiming to foster inclusive green growth and build resilient economies across Africa.

Governance and Leadership

The African Development Bank Group is governed by a clear institutional structure designed to ensure accountability, transparency, and strategic oversight across all its operations.

· Board of Governors:
  The highest decision-making body of the Bank, composed of one representative from each of the 81 member countries — typically Ministers of Finance or Planning. The Board of Governors meets annually to make key decisions, including approving financial statements, authorizing capital increases, and electing the President.

· Board of Directors:
  Responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the Bank's operations and policies. It comprises 20 Executive Directors representing both regional and non-regional member countries. The Board approves projects, strategies, and budgets and meets regularly at the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan.

· President:
  The President of the African Development Bank Group is the institution’s chief executive officer, responsible for the overall management of the Bank. Elected by the Board of Governors for a five-year term, renewable once, the President provides strategic leadership, represents the Bank externally, and ensures the effective implementation of its development agenda.

· Office of the Auditor General:
 The Office of the Auditor General provides independent assurance to the Board and Management on the effectiveness of risk management, internal controls, and governance processes. It conducts internal audits, reviews operational performance, and issues recommendations to strengthen institutional efficiency and safeguard resources.

· Independent Evaluation Department:
 The department evaluates the development effectiveness of the Bank’s operations, strategies, and policies. It ensures that lessons learned from past interventions inform future planning and decision-making, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and results-based management.

· Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption:
 The Office investigates allegations of fraud, corruption, and misconduct related to Bank-financed operations. It promotes preventive measures and works closely with stakeholders to enforce the Bank’s zero-tolerance policy for corruption.

· External Auditors:
 Independent external auditors, appointed by the Board of Governors, audit the Bank’s financial statements annually. Their findings are published and provide an additional layer of credibility to the Bank’s financial disclosures.

Ethics and Accountability

The African Development Bank Group upholds the highest ethical standards in all its operations and relationships. It is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, professionalism, and responsibility across the institution.

· Code of Conduct:
  All staff members, from senior management to operational teams, are bound by a strict Code of Conduct. This code outlines expectations regarding ethical behavior, conflict of interest, confidentiality, and respect in the workplace.

· Ethics Office:
  The Bank’s Ethics Office promotes ethical awareness, provides guidance on conduct-related matters, and ensures compliance with the Bank’s core values. It also addresses concerns related to staff behavior, whistleblowing, and the protection of staff who report wrongdoing.

· Whistleblower Protection:
  The Bank has a dedicated whistleblowing mechanism that allows staff and external parties to confidentially report suspected fraud, corruption, harassment, or unethical behavior. These reports are reviewed independently, and whistleblowers are protected against retaliation.

· Transparency and Disclosure:
  Through its Disclosure and Access to Information Policy, the Bank ensures openness in its decision-making and operations. This includes the publication of project documents, evaluation results, and financial reports to promote public trust and stakeholder engagement.

These mechanisms ensure that the African Development Bank Group operates not only efficiently and effectively, but also with integrity and accountability to its stakeholders.