…as African institutions seek stronger research to drive economic growth
Rethabile Pitso
THE Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI) has launched a continental Journal of Development Finance to strengthen research, knowledge generation and policy dialogue in support of Africa’s economic development.
The journal was launched yesterday during the AADFI Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) Forum, which is being held in Maseru from 4 to 6 November 2026.
The publication is an initiative of the AADFI Economists Forum, established in 2024 to provide a platform for African economists, researchers and development finance practitioners to promote inclusive economic development through collaborative research, peer-reviewed publications and knowledge-sharing partnerships.
Speaking at the launch, AADFI Economists Forum Chairperson, Zeph Nhleko, said the journal would give Africa a stronger voice in shaping continental and global development policy debates.
“The AADFI Journal of Development Finance gives Africa a stronger voice in shaping continental and global development policy debates. It provides a dedicated platform for research into critical areas such as development banking, infrastructure finance, industrialisation, climate and green finance, financial inclusion, digital transformation, agricultural finance, public policy, risk management and emerging development challenges,” Mr Nhleko said.
He said the publication was intended to address gaps in development finance research by bringing together policymakers, academics and practitioners to generate evidence-based insights that could inform policy decisions, strengthen institutional practices and support Africa’s development priorities.
The journal will adopt a peer-review process to ensure academic credibility and quality, with its editorial governance overseen by the AADFI Economists Forum Executive Committee.
It will also accommodate policy papers, case studies and practitioner-oriented research emerging from AADFI member institutions.
Mr Nhleko said the initiative would strengthen the evidence base informing development finance decisions, enabling African institutions to identify shared priorities and develop more effective financing approaches.
The launch comes at a time when African countries face growing investment demands, particularly in infrastructure, industrialisation and productive sectors, against the backdrop of constrained public resources.
Welcoming delegates to the forum, Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) Chief Executive Officer, Thabo Khasipe, said the gathering provided an important opportunity to explore how development finance institutions (DFIs) could become more resilient and contribute meaningfully to transforming African economies.
He said the forum’s theme, which focuses on governance, standards, regulation and development impact, was particularly relevant given the continent’s growing need for investment to stimulate productive capacity and create employment.
“Development Finance Institutions must therefore find better ways of mobilising long-term capital, attracting private investment and financing projects that can expand our productive capacity,” Mr Khasipe said.
He urged delegates to ensure that discussions translated into practical commitments, stronger partnerships and concrete approaches that participating institutions could implement.
Mr Khasipe said hosting the continental gathering also offered Lesotho an opportunity to strengthen relations with peer institutions while showcasing LNDC’s contribution to advancing the country’s development priorities.
