The African Development Bank Invests €6.5 Million to Support Tech Startups in Francophone Africa

Written by: Adel Khelifi on March 22, 2026

The Group of the African Development Bank (AfDB) announced an investment of €6.5 million in the Saviu II fund, intended to support early-stage technology startups in West Africa and in Francophone Central Africa.

This decision was approved by the Board of Directors in Abidjan. The initiative aims to strengthen access to finance for innovative startups, particularly those operating in the digital and technology sectors.

As part of this operation, the African Development Bank will provide €4.5 million in equity, while an additional €2 million will be mobilized as a first-loss coverage mechanism, on behalf of the European Commission, under the Boost Africa program.

Adel Khelifi

Adel Khelifi

My name is Adel Khelifi, and I’m a journalist based in Tunis with a passion for telling local stories to a global audience. I cover current affairs, culture, and social issues with a focus on clarity and context. I believe journalism should connect people, not just inform them.