The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Brazil have signed a new memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding cooperation in agriculture, health, climate resilience, education, renewable energy and private sector development across Africa.

The agreement, signed in Abidjan, establishes a long-term framework for collaboration between the AfDB and Brazil’s Cooperation Agency, combining the Bank’s financing capacity and regional reach with Brazil’s expertise in tropical agriculture, renewable energy, public health and enterprise development.

Partnership Targets Key Development Priorities

The memorandum was signed by Martin Fregene, Officer in Charge of the Vice Presidency for Agriculture, Human and Social Development at the AfDB, and Paulo de Souza Amado, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Brazil in Côte d’Ivoire, representing the Brazilian Cooperation Agency.

The partnership seeks to scale practical solutions to development challenges across Africa by leveraging technical expertise, financing resources and knowledge-sharing between both institutions.

According to the parties involved, the collaboration will focus on delivering long-term structural transformation rather than isolated projects.

Agriculture to Play Central Role

Agriculture is expected to be one of the primary pillars of the partnership, with initiatives aimed at improving food security, increasing productivity and strengthening climate resilience across African farming systems.

Planned areas of cooperation include:

• Climate-smart agriculture
• Irrigation development
• Farm mechanisation
• Agro-processing
• Agricultural enterprise development
• Agricultural research and innovation

The agreement reflects growing recognition of agriculture as a critical driver of economic growth, employment creation and food security across the continent.

Strengthening Health Systems Across Africa

In addition to agriculture, the partnership will support health sector development through initiatives focused on:

• Health workforce training
• Digital health technologies
• Health system strengthening
• Vaccine manufacturing
• Pharmaceutical production
• Bio-manufacturing capacity

The health component is designed to help African countries improve healthcare delivery while strengthening local production capabilities for essential medical products.

Supporting SMEs and Private Sector Growth

The agreement also places significant emphasis on finance and private sector development.

Both institutions will work to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), improve access to business opportunities and strengthen commercial ties between African countries and Brazil.

Officials believe deeper economic cooperation can unlock new investment opportunities and expand trade between Africa and Latin America’s largest economy.

Renewable Energy and Skills Development Included

Beyond agriculture and health, the partnership covers several strategic sectors, including:

• Renewable energy
• Bioenergy development
• Carbon markets
• Nature-based climate solutions
• Technical and vocational education
• Higher education modernisation
• Innovation ecosystems
• Youth entrepreneurship

These initiatives are intended to support sustainable development while creating opportunities for Africa’s growing youth population.

Building on a Longstanding Relationship

The new memorandum builds on decades of cooperation between Brazil and the African Development Bank. Brazil became a non-regional member of the AfDB in 1982 and has since participated in several development initiatives across the continent.

The agreement also expands collaboration previously undertaken through the South-South Cooperation Trust Fund and partnerships with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation.

Supporting AfDB’s Development Agenda

The African Development Bank said the agreement aligns with the priorities of Sidi Ould Tah and his Four Cardinal Points agenda, which focuses on:

• Mobilising development finance
• Strengthening strategic partnerships
• Building economic resilience
• Improving livelihoods across Africa

Particular attention will be given to creating opportunities for women, young people and underserved communities.

New Opportunities for Africa-Brazil Cooperation

The partnership signals a growing commitment to South-South cooperation and highlights the increasing role of emerging economies in supporting Africa’s development goals.

By combining Brazil’s expertise in agricultural transformation and industrial development with the African Development Bank’s financing capabilities, both parties aim to accelerate progress in food security, climate resilience, healthcare and economic growth across the continent.

The agreement is expected to pave the way for new projects, investments and technical cooperation initiatives that support sustainable development and inclusive growth throughout Africa.