Objectives
The main objective of AfDB is to contribute to the economic development and social progress of its regional members - individually and jointly by attempting to break the vicious cycle of poverty. It endeavours to facilitate and mobilise the flow of external and domestic resources, public and private, promote investment, and provide technical assistance and policy advice to member countries.
Budget
The total assets of AfDB in 2000 was around UA 10.2 billion* equalling US$ 13 billion. The assets consist of the Ordinary Capital Resources and Special Funds.
Promotion in the Water Sector
AfDB has been widely engaged in water projects in Africa and is organising high level meetings, such as the Meeting on Promoting Water Resources Development in African in September 2002 in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
AfDB's effectiveness in terms of ameliorating poverty is questionable since there are still a large percentage of African population lacking access to freshwater.
*The financial statements of the African Development Bank are expressed in Units of Account (UA). The value of the Unit of Account is defined as 0.88867088 gramme of fine gold. The Unit of Account has been valued as equivalent to 1 SDR. As of 8 November 2001, 1 SDR equals $ 1.27674.