The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has become the first multilateral development institution to join the Berne Union as a full member, marking a significant milestone in global export credit and investment insurance cooperation.
The announcement was made during the Berne Union Spring Meeting held from 11–14 May 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, hosted by Kazakh Export. The event brought together more than 240 delegates from over 70 countries, including export credit agencies, international financial institutions, and global insurers.
Founded in 1934, the Berne Union is widely regarded as the world’s leading association for export credit and investment insurance, playing a central role in facilitating international trade and investment risk-sharing.
Strengthening MDB–ECA cooperation
A key focus of this year’s meeting was closer collaboration between multilateral development banks (MDBs) and export credit agencies (ECAs) to unlock greater flows of private capital for global development.
During a dedicated MDB–ECA cooperation session, participants explored ways to improve pipeline sharing, strengthen coordination frameworks, and enhance recognition of MDB preferred-creditor status among global financial institutions and rating agencies.
The discussions reinforced a growing consensus that no single institution can meet the Sustainable Development Goals independently, and that stronger partnerships are required to mobilise financing at scale.
Africa’s development financing challenge
Speaking at the forum, participants highlighted Africa’s significant development potential, including its critical mineral resources, expanding consumer markets, and growing infrastructure pipeline. However, they also noted that the continent remains underinsured and underfinanced relative to its perceived risk profile.
Data from the Global Emerging Markets Risk Database (GEMs) indicates that African sovereign debt recovery rates are among the highest globally, challenging long-standing risk perceptions that have limited investment flows into the region.
This gap between actual risk and market perception continues to be a central barrier to unlocking private capital for African development projects.
AfDB’s role in the New African Financial Architecture
The African Development Bank’s new membership aligns with its broader efforts to implement the New African Financial Architecture for Development (NAFAD), alongside its strategic priorities focused on infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital transformation, and financial sector development.
Bank officials noted that deeper engagement with export credit agencies and insurers will be essential to mobilising investment for Africa’s development needs, particularly as global supply chains and investment flows continue to evolve.
Strategic platform for Africa’s financing agenda
Through its new status as an Observer Member with full participation rights, the AfDB will now take part in key Berne Union committees, including the Medium and Long-Term Committee. This provides the institution with access to peer intelligence from 89 member organisations and strengthens its role within global risk-sharing networks.
The Bank’s participation is expected to support improved coordination in trade finance, infrastructure investment, and cross-border development projects across Africa.
With more than $20 billion in planned projects across energy, transport, agriculture, digital infrastructure, and financial services in 2026, the AfDB says the need for scalable and coordinated financing solutions has never been greater.
Outlook
The membership is expected to enhance the African Development Bank’s ability to mobilise private capital and expand partnerships with global insurers and export credit agencies.
As global trade becomes increasingly shaped by geopolitical uncertainty and shifting supply chains, the AfDB’s entry into the Berne Union positions it as a more active player in shaping the future of international development finance and risk-sharing mechanisms.