- Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi: The Fund works as a strategic partner of developing countries in priority projects, programmes and objectives ADFD adopts a strategy of supporting UAE national economy
- ADFD adopts a strategy of supporting UAE national economy
In a report marking its 48th anniversary, Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the leading national entity for international development aid, announced that it has allocated about AED92 billion in development funding and investments to 90 beneficiary countries.
Since its inception on 15 July 1971, the Fund has disbursed AED43 billion in concessionary loans, AED46 billion in UAE government grants and AED3 billion in investments.
Along with its core operations, ADFD’s innovative partnerships with the private sector and international funding institutions have helped consolidate the UAE’s prominent status among global foreign aid providers. The Fund’s support for socio-economic development in developing countries over the past four and a half decades, especially in the last five years, has significantly contributed to the UAE retaining the prestigious title of the world’s top donor of official development assistance relative to national income between 2013 and 2017. This endorsement was reported by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Focusing on key socio-economic sectors, including health, education, housing, water, irrigation, agriculture and renewable energy, ADFD’s development funding seeks to support the national priorities of beneficiary countries, bolster sustainable economic development, improve standards of living and drive the implementation of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Moreover, ADFD holds equity stakes in numerous companies and private equity funds. Serving various key sectors, these investments play a crucial role in driving economic development and job creation in beneficiary countries. To date, the Fund has invested in 13 companies and 4 private equity funds across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
ADFD has also adopted a policy of financing UAE private sector investments. To enhance competitiveness and enable investment opportunities, the policy aims to lay the foundations and guidelines for providing funding for national private sector investments in the UAE and abroad.
In addition, ADFD has amended its tendering system to give 10 per cent preference to national companies that pass the technical assessment and financial qualification stage outlined in the Fund’s tender policy for grant projects. Over the last 10 years, its efforts have facilitated business deals worth AED16.5 billion for UAE companies to implement ADFD-funded projects in developing countries.
Furthermore, ADFD is currently in the process of finalising a UAE-wide national export financing programme to provide financing and guarantee facilities to boost export rates and open new markets. In line with the UAE Vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, aimed at advancing economic diversification as a pillar of sustainable development, the programme seeks to enhance the competitiveness of the national economy in international markets through expanding the range of export products and commodities.
Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “Over the last 48 years, ADFD marked significant economic development milestones all over the world. Since its establishment by the founding father of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and continuing under the wise leadership of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of ADFD Board of Directors, the Fund has succeeded in boosting the growth of key sectors in developing countries.”
He added: “ADFD works as a strategic partner with the governments of the beneficiary countries to support their development programmes and objectives with a focus on financing projects that improve infrastructure and elevate living standards. We are committed to continuing our noble journey of assisting developing nations in their sustainable development endeavours.”
ADFD was established in 1971 with a starting operating capital worth AED500 million. Over the years, the Fund has registered steady financial growth and expanded its footprint across the globe. ADFD’s operating capital today is AED16 billion.
The following is a brief overview of key sectors funded by ADFD:
Education sector
ADFD has funded 129 development projects in the education sector with a total value of AED2.5 billion. Benefiting 14 developing countries, these projects have supported SDG 4 – Quality Education.
The Fund has financed the establishment of more than 40 schools to increase education levels and help eradicate illiteracy. It has also provided funds to 35 universities and colleges for building construction and renovation, as well as upgrades of infrastructure, equipment and processes in line with international standards.
Through building capabilities and imparting knowledge, the education sector plays an integral role in driving the growth of key socio-economic sectors.
Healthcare sector
ADFD has financed 78 healthcare projects in 16 countries with a total value of AED4 billion.
The Fund’s interest in the sector reflects its keenness to support international efforts aimed at achieving SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
Seeking to provide quality medical services to the populations of the beneficiary countries, ADFD has funded the construction of hospitals and treatment centres, the purchase of medical equipment and medicines, and the implementation of preventive health programmes. In a bid to ensure the effectiveness of development assistance in this field, the Fund has stepped up collaboration with international relief organisations to meet the urgent healthcare needs of people in developing countries.
Housing sector
ADFD pays special attention to sectors that have a significant impact on people’s lives and meet their basic needs, such as housing. This sector plays a crucial role in social stability. Housing crises and limited financial resources are among the main challenges faced by the governments of developing countries due to rapid population growth and the rise in rural-urban migration that has led to the proliferation of informal communities lacking even the most basic infrastructure. This trend has resulted in marginalising large segments of the population and minimising their contribution to economic development, thus increasing the burden on the governments.
In line with its overall goal of transforming people’s lives, ADFD is keen to implement quality, inclusive and comprehensive housing projects built to the highest engineering, architectural and sustainability standards, in addition to ensuring the provision of necessary services and infrastructure, such as access roads and a reliable water and electricity supply. ADFD has funded 47 housing projects with a total value of AED7.8 billion.
Water sector
ADFD has funded 108 water sector projects in 56 countries with a total value of AED8 billion.
To support SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, ADFD has financed the construction of 63 dams and the implementation of 30 drinking water and irrigation networks. Having contributed to the development and reclamation of vast areas of agricultural land, its strategic water projects have also helped enhance food security in beneficiary countries.
Transport sector
ADFD has contributed to the financing of 95 strategic transportation projects with a total value of AED14 billion in 44 countries around the world.
The exorbitant cost of building efficient transport networks is a major obstacle, as many developing countries lack sufficient funds for such projects, which often hampers the execution of their socio-economic development plans.
The Fund focuses on enabling developing countries to overcome these key challenges, particularly the negative impact of inferior road and transport networks on the performance of vital economic sectors that prevents optimal utilisation of local resources and impedes progress.
Renewable energy sector
ADFD has funded 70 development projects in the renewable energy sector around the world worth AED4.4 billion that have brought online about 2,584 MW of renewable energy capacity.
Since 1974, the Fund has contributed about AED2.7 billion to renewable energy projects through joint financing agreements with the governments of developing countries. The remaining funds have been allocated through innovative strategic partnerships, including the seven-cycle AED1.285 billion (US$350 million) IRENA/ADFD Project Facility, the AED183.4 million (US$50 million) UAE-Caribbean Renewable Energy Fund (UAE-CREF), as well as the UAE-Pacific Partnership Fund (UAE-PPF) that is valued at AED183.4 million (US$50 million).
