ADA launches a new strategy to support vulnerable populations with impact finance

Remaining true to its role as a pioneer in impact finance, ADA unveiled its new strategy on 20 April 2026 at an event on ‘Impact Finance for Vulnerable Populations’. This strategy marks a new milestone in ADA’s commitment to reducing economic vulnerabilities in the Global South.

Strengthening local economic actors

ADA’s new strategy places support for local economic actors at the heart of its approach (inclusive finance institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, training organisations, producer organisations, local investment companies, etc.). By supporting these key drivers of local economic dynamism, ADA aims to generate a lasting impact for the benefit of vulnerable populations, while contributing to the development of more resilient and inclusive economic systems.

An integrated approach focused on local solutions

Faced with multiple challenges (income insecurity, limited economic resilience and difficulties in accessing food, energy, water and sanitation), ADA is adopting an integrated approach grounded in local dynamics.

The organisation supports local businesses and organisations in developing tailored, sustainable and financially viable products and services. This approach provides concrete and lasting responses to the needs of vulnerable populations.

ADA particularly supports:

• the development of financial services (credit, insurance)
• access to water and solar energy 
• training in entrepreneurship and sustainable agriculture.

These initiatives aim to enable vulnerable populations to develop income-generating activities, secure their economic situation and improve their living conditions.

The relevance of this integrated approach, firmly rooted in local realities, has led the Luxembourg Development Cooperation to renew its trust in ADA for a period of five years. This multiannual support is intended to strengthen the leverage effect of public impact finance to maximise the results on the ground.

Click here to see the pictures of the event

A joint effort to drive impact

“The support of the Luxembourg Development Cooperation for ADA is fully in line with our partnership and synergy approach. By supporting an organisation that works both in the field and with impact investors while at the same time leveraging the financial expertise of Luxembourg, we are strengthening the leverage effect of public funds and contributing to the development of impact finance for the benefit of vulnerable populations.” 

— Mr Xavier Bettel, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Minister for Foreign Trade, and Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs.

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© Eric Devillet

This new strategy also paves the way for new collaborations with stakeholders in Luxembourg’s impact finance ecosystem. ADA is therefore inviting private and philanthropic actors to engage alongside it by mobilising funding, expertise and networks to amplify the leverage effect generated by public support.

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© Eric Devillet

“The renewal of trust by the Luxembourg Development Cooperation, combined with new opportunities of collaboration, marks the start of an ambitious phase for ADA that is strongly focused on generating impact for the benefit of vulnerable populations.”

— Laura Foschi, Executive Director of ADA.