Leaving nobody behind: Why AfDB is intensifying its efforts in fragile states

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For all the gains that have been made in promoting stability, fragility still remains a significant barrier to development on the continent. 19 of the world’s 35 most fragile states are in Africa, according to the World Fragility Index.

These nations, which are home to over 200 million people, representing 20% of Africa’s population, grapple with a host of complex challenges, including social unrest, political instability, corruption, weak governance, and the devastating human toll of conflict. The fragility of these states makes it particularly difficult for them to attract investment or effectively respond to shocks such as natural disasters. Additionally, they pose a risk to regional and global development due to the tendency of instability to spill over to neighbouring countries and regions.

Recognising the enormity of the challenge and the necessity for a decisive African response to ensure no country is left behind, the African Development Bank (AfDB) became one of the first multilateral development banks to incorporate the concept of fragility into its operations in 2001. By 2004, the Bank had established its first facility dedicated to supporting post-conflict countries in clearing their public debt