Who we are
Founded in 1994, ADA (short for Appui au développement autonome, support for autonomous development) is a Luxembourgish, non-governmental organisation that strives to sustainably improve the living conditions of vulnerable populations and build stronger, more resilient local economies in the Global South in collaboration with local partners.
Our vision
Every human being lives with dignity and autonomy, now and in the future.
Our mission
Empower local economic system actors to develop inclusive and sustainable solutions by leveraging impact finance to strengthen the autonomy of vulnerable populations.
ADA strives to accomplish its mission by supporting businesses and organisations in Africa, Central America and Southeast Asia in developing tailored, lasting and sustainable products and services for vulnerable people. These services can include financial services such as loans or insurance, training in entrepreneurship or sustainable agriculture as well as a connection to a solar energy grid.
By supporting and connecting multiple service providers and other actors, ADA strengthens the entire local network of businesses, workers and resources as well as their exchanges of goods and services, which is called a local economic system.
At the same time, ADA leverages its expertise in impact finance and inclusive finance to attract local and international capital into the local economic system by supporting the wider financing chain.
ADA thereby creates an environment which is favourable to sustainable economic growth and autonomous, dignified personal development.
Our values
HUMANITY (solidarity, inclusion, social justice, fairness, respect)
We place people at the heart of everything we do as we strive to build a fairer, more inclusive and more compassionate society. Solidarity, social justice, equity and respect guide our decision-making.
COMMITMENT (passion, perseverance, sharing)
Our ambition is to make a difference. Driven by passion and a spirit of collaboration, we work hand in hand with our partners to bring lasting and systemic changes to the lives of vulnerable people.
RESPONSIBILITY (expertise, efficiency, integrity, autonomy, durability, sustainability, ethics)
We act with rigour and transparency, fully aware of and accountable for the impact of our actions. We take responsibility for delivering tangible results – addressing the needs of the most vulnerable today with a view to supporting entire communities tomorrow.
OPENNESS (collaboration, attentiveness, innovation, etc.)
We maximise opportunities by remaining open to collaboration, innovation and developments in the inclusive finance sector.