The Trump administration is proposing to eliminate its USD 555 million commitment to the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) primary development fund, a move that could significantly disrupt development financing for Africa’s low-income countries. According to Black Star News, the proposal—submitted to the U.S. Congress—suggests that Washington will halt all contributions to the fund starting next year, arguing that the fund is “not currently aligned” with the administration’s priorities.

This sudden shift not only threatens the AfDB’s resource planning but may also trigger a fundamental recalibration of the bank’s development strategies. The AfDB is nearing the end of its current USD 8.9 billion funding cycle and was aiming for a major USD 25 billion replenishment. The U.S., a key player since 1976 and the bank’s second-largest shareholder, has been instrumental in sustaining the fund. While other donor countries have also reduced contributions, the scale of the proposed U.S. cut is unprecedented.

The decision comes at a pivotal time for the bank, with leadership elections scheduled for later this month. The incoming president will now face the daunting task of navigating a funding shortfall and rebuilding donor confidence amid growing development demands across the continent.