The ACGF is a key mechanism for scaling up resources to Africa. All ACGF operations are designed to crowd in development finance (public sector, multi-laterals, bi-laterals, private sector) either through co-financing of the ACGF operation or through a parallel financing package (estimates of partner funding mobilized are over $1 billion). It also enables donors to benefit from the Bank Group's field presence, technical expertise, and policy analysis and dialogue while maintaining their bilateral identity. The Fund provides donors with insufficient agency depth a mechanism to deliver now - while building experience, and meeting pressures for bi-laterals to move aid budgets quickly without impacting allocation balances for multi-lateral/bilateral assistance.

Donors find the catalytic role of the Fund attractive in that it would permit them (a) to associate new, parallel financing with an ACGF operation, (b) to contribute directly and thus scale up aid to Africa in order to meet their Gleneagles commitment, but using the Bank's technical skills, country knowledge, and field presence.

Current partners to the Fund include the United Kingdom and Spain. The ACGF welcomes development and private sector partners to the Fund.

For contributions to the ACGF, please contact Elizabeth M. White, Program Manager or Bremala Nathan, Operations Officer.