AADFI Launches Journal to Drive African Economic Development

The Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI) has introduced a continental Journal of Development Finance to bolster research, knowledge generation, and policy dialogue in support of Africa's economic growth. This initiative was launched during the AADFI Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Forum, held in Maseru from November 4 to 6, 2026. The journal aims to provide a platform for African economists, researchers, and development finance practitioners to promote inclusive economic development.

The AADFI Economists Forum, established in 2024, is behind the publication. The forum's chairperson, Zeph Nhleko, stated that the journal would give Africa a stronger voice in shaping continental and global development policy debates. The publication will focus on critical areas such as development banking, infrastructure finance, industrialization, climate and green finance, financial inclusion, digital transformation, agricultural finance, public policy, risk management, and emerging development challenges.

The journal will adopt a peer-review process to ensure academic credibility and quality. Its editorial governance will be overseen by the AADFI Economists Forum Executive Committee. The publication will also feature policy papers, case studies, and practitioner-oriented research from AADFI member institutions. This initiative aims to address gaps in development finance research by bringing together policymakers, academics, and practitioners to generate evidence-based insights.

The launch of the journal comes at a critical time when African countries face growing investment demands, particularly in infrastructure, industrialization, and productive sectors. However, public resources are constrained. The AADFI Economists Forum Chairperson emphasized that the publication would strengthen the evidence base informing development finance decisions. This will enable African institutions to identify shared priorities and develop more effective financing approaches.

Welcoming delegates to the forum, Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Khasipe, highlighted the importance of the gathering. He stated that it provided an opportunity to explore how development finance institutions (DFIs) could become more resilient and contribute meaningfully to transforming African economies. The forum's theme focuses on governance, standards, regulation, and development impact.

The forum's discussions are expected to translate into practical commitments, stronger partnerships, and concrete approaches that participating institutions can implement. Mr. Khasipe emphasized that development finance institutions must find better ways to mobilize long-term capital, attract private investment, and finance projects that can expand productive capacity. Hosting the continental gathering also offers Lesotho an opportunity to strengthen relations with peer institutions.

The AADFI Journal of Development Finance is expected to play a crucial role in driving African economic development. By providing a platform for research and policy dialogue, the journal will contribute to the continent's growing need for investment to stimulate productive capacity and create employment. The initiative has been welcomed by stakeholders, who see it as a step towards strengthening Africa's voice in global development policy debates.

Key points

• The AADFI Journal of Development Finance will focus on critical areas such as development banking, infrastructure finance, and climate and green finance.
• The journal will adopt a peer-review process to ensure academic credibility and quality.
• The initiative aims to address gaps in development finance research and strengthen the evidence base informing development finance decisions.