By Abdulkareem Haruna

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged continued support for the Lake Chad Basin, announcing that it has invested more than $2 billion over the past two decades in projects that have benefited 15.3 million people affected by the region’s crises.

Dr. Riadh Ben Messaoud, Lead Coordinator for West and Central Africa at the AfDB, made the announcement Wednesday at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, highlighting the bank’s commitment to supporting the region’s recovery and resilience.

“In addition to its direct technical support, the AfDB has mobilized more than $2 billion in investments over the past two decades,” Messaoud said, emphasizing the bank’s focus on combating land degradation and preserving biodiversity. “This program has benefited over 15 million people in the region.”

Messaoud also stressed the importance of integrating socio-economic stabilization measures into infrastructure projects, citing the example of a bridge project between Cameroon and Chad that included the rehabilitation of schools, health centers, and women’s associations.

Meanwhile, Anka Feldhusen, Director for Civilian Crisis Prevention and Stabilization at the German Federal Foreign Office, called for stronger regional cooperation and urged stakeholders to prioritize the joint provision of Territorial Action Plans (TAPs) as the central framework for future development and stabilization efforts.

“The leadership of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the governors has been exceptional, but the success of our collective efforts depends on our willingness to collaborate on making the Territorial Action Plans vehicles for coherent and strategically focused action,” Feldhusen said.

Feldhusen also announced the launch of a new initiative focused on “peace positive financing” to support fragile states, emphasizing the need to leverage blended finance to derisk investments in the local private sector and promote long-term peacebuilding efforts. 

“Together, we can ensure a successful and sustainable future for the Lake Chad Basin,” she added.