AfDB and Nigerian economists call for urgent action in Africa’s Transition States

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Abuja, Nigeria – The African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Nigerian Economic Society, has sounded the alarm on the pressing need to accelerate economic transformation in Africa’s 24 transition states—countries still grappling with conflict, weak institutions, and climate vulnerability.

AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@africaheadline.com 

These nations, including Burkina Faso, Somalia, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, account for more than 300 million people living under fragile conditions. Despite vast natural resources and a predominantly young population, instability continues to hold back growth.

The AfDB highlighted the importance of its Transition Support Facility, designed to deliver targeted financing, capacity development, and knowledge-sharing. The bank stressed that without urgent reforms and stronger governance, these states risk being permanently sidelined from Africa’s development agenda.

The high-level dialogue also underscored the importance of policy innovation and homegrown solutions, with experts arguing that Africa’s long-term growth will depend less on donor aid and more on institutional resilience and economic self-reliance.