Africa-Press – Ghana. The Rome Process/Mattei Plan Financing Facility (RPFF) Governing Council has held its inaugural in-person meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on the sidelines of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF).
The Council endorsed the RPFF’s 2026 work plan, which seeks to mobilise commitments of nearly €100 million.
These resources are expected to leverage over €550 million in co-financing from the African Development Bank’s ordinary resources to support inclusive growth, improve essential services, strengthen climate resilience, and tackle the root causes of irregular migration.
The meeting marked a major milestone for the RPFF, which was approved by the Bank’s Board of Governors in February 2025.
Dr Kevin K. Kariuki, Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, described the facility as “vital in addressing Africa’s profound and interconnected challenges,” noting its role in channeling resources into strategic energy, transport, and water projects through concessional loans, grants, and technical assistance.
With an initial capitalisation of €158 million, the RPFF is backed by founding partners Italy and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
“Italy is profoundly committed to cultivating a new era of partnership with African nations, as envisioned by the Mattei Plan,” said Lorenzo Ortona, Italy’s Representative on the RPFF Governing Council.
“The approval of this ambitious 2026 Work Plan underscores our collective resolve to accelerate sustainable development and address pressing challenges across the continent.”
Sarah Jasim, Director of Sustainable Development at the UAE Aid Agency and UAE Representative on the Council, said: “Our support for the RPFF reflects our dedication to empowering African nations with the resources needed to build resilient infrastructure, create opportunities, and improve lives.”
Since its launch, the RPFF has approved two projects: a €17 million concessional loan for Angola’s Eastern Region Agricultural Value Chain Development Project, and a €6 million grant for Ethiopia’s Borana Resilient Water Development Programme, aimed at improving climate-resilient water and sanitation access for pastoralist communities.
Dr Daniel Schroth, Director for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency at the African Development Bank and head of the RPFF Technical Coordination Unit, expressed gratitude to Italy and the UAE for their “pioneering support,” adding that the facility will serve as a catalyst for transformative development across Africa.
The RPFF is a multi-donor financing facility hosted by the African Development Bank to advance climate-aligned infrastructure projects in energy, transport, and water sectors.
It operates through two windows: non-reimbursable technical assistance and investment (concessional loans and grants), aiming to reinforce governance, create jobs, and strengthen resilience in vulnerable communities.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
