Operational Policies
The AfDB applies a number of operational policies to its loans. Some of the key safeguards include:
- Poverty reduction
This policy states that poverty reduction is AfDB’s overall goal and identifies key sectors for AfDB operations.
- Cooperation with civil society organizations (CSOs)
This policy affirms the importance of collaboration with civil society organizations, and of a participatory approach in general, to achieving AfDB’s poverty reduction goals. It outlines requirements for consulting CSOs at various stages of AfDB operations and describes other types of collaboration.
- Environment
The Environment Policy describes Africa’s environmental challenges and confirms AfDB’s commitment to promoting sustainable development. It outlines AfDB’s internal mechanisms for ensuring policy compliance and mainstreaming environmental considerations in AfDB operations. The policy also references AfDB’s Environmental and Social Assessment Procedures and public consultation requirements. There are separate Environmental and Social Review Procedures for the AfDB’s public and private sector lending. The AfDB is currently revising its Environment and Social Assessment Procedures and developing new Environmental and Social Guidelines on Bank Operations through Financial Intermediaries.
- Involuntary resettlement
The Involuntary Resettlement Policy outlines the responsibilities of the AfDB and the borrower regarding the forced relocation of people for AfDB projects. The policy’s goal is to ensure that resettled people receive assistance and share in the benefits of the project so that their livelihoods are improved. Requirements for the preparation of a resettlement plan are included in the policy.
- Population
This policy deals with population growth and its implications for Africa’s economic development. It requires, amongst other things, that the AfDB promote improved access to reproductive health and family planning services and address the needs of refugees through its operations.
- Gender
The Gender Policy aims to promote gender equity and gender mainstreaming throughout AfDB operations. It requires the AfDB to apply gender analysis to all of its activities.
- Integrated water resources management
This policy affirms that water is a universal human right and an economic, social and environmental good. It commits the AfDB to promoting integrated policies and options for water resources that support water supply and sanitation, biodiversity protection, conservation, and minimize involuntary resettlement.
- Agriculture and rural development
This policy aims to improve the effectiveness of AfDB operations in the agriculture and rural development sector. It requires that AfDB interventions ensure the participation of beneficiaries and minimize negative impacts on the environment and the livelihoods of local communities. It also states that AfDB lending will be guided by the International Labor Organization Declaration on Labor Standards.
The AfDB is currently developing an Energy Policy to look at issues including climate change and renewable energy. After endorsing the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in 2006, the AfDB is also developing an Extractive Industries framework to consider the AfDB’s role in this sector. For more information, contact:
- Yogesh Vyas
Lead Environmental Specialist
Vice Presidency for Infrastructure, Private Sector and Regional Integration
Information Disclosure Policy
In 2003-2004 the AfDB reviewed its policy on information disclosure. BIC and few other civil society organizations provided comments to the Bank on its proposed revisions, prior to the adoption of the new policy in March 2004.
While the text of the AfDB’s information disclosure policy is stronger in some respects than those of other international financial institutions, its policy implementation is extremely weak and access to information remains a serious problem.
See the 'Obtaining Information' section for a list of documents available to the public, and tips on how to access them.
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Accountability at the African Development Bank
The African Development Bank approved the creation of an Independent Review Mechanism (IRM) in June 2004, which is similar to citizen complaint/accountability mechanisms found at other IFIs, such as the World Bank’s Inspection Panel.
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AfDB’s relationship with other international financial institutions
The New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD)
The NEPAD is an African Union framework designed to address the social, economic and political priorities facing Africa’s development. Adopted by African leaders in 2001, NEPAD has faced heavy criticism from civil society groups who argue that beneath the initiative’s African “face”, NEPAD embraces the same neoliberal policies promoted by Northern countries and international institutions. The AfDB was brought into the NEPAD process to provide technical assistance and play an advisory role, with a particular focus on infrastructure. The AfDB is responsible for managing and supporting the infrastructure component of the NEPAD, which entails the development of regional projects predominantly in the transport sector such as roads, seaports and airports.
Find out more
- Learn more about the AfDB’s role in the NEPAD process on the AfDB website.
- Visit the NEPAD website to learn more about the overall process.