October 25, 2025 – Macau, SAR – The ADFIAP-AADFI Joint International CEO Forum 2025, held from October 22 to 24 at the Wynn Macao Hotel, brought together nearly 200 leaders from development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral agencies, and policy circles across Asia-Pacific and Africa under the theme “Resilient Future: Harnessing Sustainable Finance for Development in Asia and Africa.” The landmark event underscored the growing momentum for interregional collaboration to address climate change, promote inclusive growth, and drive institutional innovation.
The three-day event featured keynote speeches, panel discussions, and collaborative workshops designed to promote cross-sector dialogue and practical solutions. Delegates represented a diverse mix of institutions, including government agencies, development banks, tech innovators, and civil society organizations.
A Convergence of Vision and Action
In his welcome message, ADFIAP Chairman and CEO of the Agriculture and Rural Development Bank in Cambodia, H.E. Dr. Kao Thach, emphasized the importance of aligning financial flows with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “This forum is not just a meeting of minds-it is a call to action. Asia and Africa must lead the way in financing resilience, equity, and innovation,” he stated.
Echoing this sentiment, AADFI Chair and MD & CEO, Uganda Development Bank Ltd, Ms. Patricia (Adongo) Ojangole, emphasized the shared challenges and opportunities facing both regions. “From climate vulnerability to digital transformation, our institutions must be agile, inclusive, and
forward-looking. This forum is a platform to forge solutions together,” she said.
This year’s theme reflects a shared imperative: to build institutional, economic, and environmental resilience through sustainable finance. For DFIs in Asia and Africa, regions marked by climate vulnerability, rapid urbanization, and rising inequality, the theme serves as both a rallying cry and a strategic blueprint.
Why It Matters: Context for Asian and African DFIs
- Climate Risk and Adaptation Needs: Both regions confront rising climate threats, ranging from typhoons and droughts in Asia to desertification and flooding in Africa. DFIs are increasingly responsible for funding adaptation infrastructure, disaster risk reduction, and nature-based solutions. The theme highlights the importance of mobilizing long-term capital for resilience.
- Inclusive Growth and SME Financing: With MSMEs forming the backbone of both economies, DFIs must ensure that sustainable finance reaches underserved sectors. The theme advocates for inclusive financial tools-such as green credit lines, blended finance, and gender-smart investments-that empower communities and entrepreneurs.
- ESG Integration and Governance Reform: DFIs face pressure to comply with global ESG standards and enhance transparency. The focus is on institutional preparedness, ESG scoring, and unified disclosure frameworks, particularly as AADFI introduces its Accreditation System and ADFIAP expands its ESG tools.
- Digital Leapfrogging and Innovation: Fintech, AI, and digital platforms provide transformative potential for financial inclusion and climate-smart solutions. The theme encourages DFIs to adopt digital transformation, not just as a technological upgrade but as a strategic tool for sustainable development.
- South-South Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: Asia and Africa share similar development paths and challenges. The theme promotes interregional solidarity, peer learning, and co-investment opportunities-whether through joint capacity-building programs or cross-border green finance facilities.
As the curtains closed in Macau, the forum left behind not just a roadmap, but a renewed sense of solidarity. In the words of the ADFIAP Chairman H.E. Dr. Kao Thach, “We are not just financing projects-we are financing futures.”