The Export Development Fund (EDF) has received an 'A' rating for development impact following a peer review assessment by the Association of African Development Finance Institutions (AADFI). EDF has been awarded the Prudential Standards and Guidelines Rating System (PSGRS) Rating Award for achieving a performance result of A in the 2024 PSGRS Rating exercise. The ‘A’ rating is based on EDF’s 83% compliance score with the PSGRS, a framework introduced in 2020 by AADFI to evaluate the performance of development finance institutions in Africa.
This was announced during the AADFI Consultative Dinner & Awards Event held on 26th May 2025 in Abidjian, Côte d’Ivoire commemorating the 50th Anniversary of AADFI.
The 'A' rating reflects EDF’s strong performance in key areas such as Governance, Financial Management, and Operations, which are essential for the effective functioning of development finance institutions. The Fund’s achievement is the result of targeted improvements in its policies and practices, as well as its focus on projects that align with AADFI’s standards. The peer review process involved an evaluation by other development finance institutions, ensuring an objective assessment.
Speaking after receiving the award, EDF Managing Director Fredrick Chanza said:
“This rating shows that we’re on the right track in how we are managing the Fund and support businesses in the country. It reflects not only our commitment to operational excellence and good governance, but also our deep focus on delivering real, measurable impact for Malawi’s economy. I’m grateful to our team and partners who’ve helped us get here, and we’ll keep working to do even better.”
The 'A' rating is expected to strengthen EDF’s ability to secure funding and partnerships, which will enable it to expand its support for export-oriented businesses and projects that drive economic growth in Malawi.
The assessment was conducted under the AADFI, an organization that works to strengthen development finance institutions across Africa. As a Malawi-based institution, EDF’s 'A' rating highlights its growing role in supporting export-oriented businesses and economic development within the country. The rating also positions EDF as one of the top-performing institutions among African DFIs. EDF plans to build on this success by continuing to innovate and align its operations with global best practices.