African Development Bank (AfDB), requesting parliamentary approval for a guarantee credit of CHF 1.56 billion. This decision, made on April 30th, aims to strengthen Switzerland’s position within the bank and promote sustainable and inclusive economic development in Africa.

The AfDB plays a key role in Switzerland’s international cooperation, with its focus on sustainable economic growth, poverty reduction, and addressing climate change.

Following a review of a non-regional member state’s credit rating, the AfDB’s governors decided in May 2024 to increase the guarantee capital to maintain the bank’s highest credit rating. This increase serves as a safeguard to ensure the AfDB can continue to support its members, even in times of crisis.

With this contribution, Switzerland not only reinforces the AfDB’s stability but also maintains its influence within the bank. The commitment of CHF 1,561.36 million is exclusively in guarantee capital, which is considered a contingent liability, to be used only in exceptional situations—something that has not yet occurred.

This initiative sends a strong signal of solidarity with Africa, highlighting the continent’s importance in Switzerland’s development policy, foreign policy, and commercial interests. A member of the AfDB since 1982, Switzerland has held representation on the Board of Governors ever since.

Source: Swiss Government