Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has officially commenced his final Annual Meetings as the institution’s leader, marking the conclusion of a transformative decade at the helm.
Addressing the media at a welcome breakfast in Abidjan, Adesina reflected on his ten-year journey, describing it as a period of relentless service and unwavering dedication to Africa’s development. “It has been a decade of relentless purpose, enduring passion, and tireless service,” he stated, emphasizing the Bank’s achievements and the progress made under his leadership.
A Decade of Impact
When Adesina assumed the presidency in 2015, the African Development Bank Group was poised for growth. Over the past decade, the Bank has:
- Increased its capital base from $93 billion to $318 billion, the largest capital increase in its history.
- Achieved the highest replenishment of the African Development Fund, raising $8.9 billion.
- Launched the High 5s—strategic priorities to light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialize Africa, integrate Africa, and improve the quality of life for Africans.
- Positively impacted over 565 million people across the continent through initiatives in health, food security, transportation, water, sanitation, and energy access.
Notable among these efforts was the Bank’s rapid response to the food security crisis triggered by the Ukraine war. The $1.5 billion Emergency Food Production Facility supported 13 million farmers across 29 countries, producing 44 million tons of food valued at $17.3 billion—116% above target.
Transformative Stories Across Africa
Adesina recounted personal experiences from the field, such as seeing the positive impact of water and sanitation projects in Lesotho, electricity access in Kenya’s Rift Valley, and the transformative Gabal El Asfar wastewater treatment plant in Egypt, now the largest in Africa.
“These are not just figures. They are futures. They are hopes realized,” he emphasized.
A Legacy of Leadership
As the Bank’s shareholders prepare to elect a new president later this week, Adesina expressed confidence in the institution’s resilience and future. “I am proud to leave behind a very strong financial institution that can weather the storms,” he said.
He also highlighted the crucial role of the media in shaping Africa’s development narrative. “You are not just observers. You are amplifiers of Africa’s voice. You shape the narrative. You challenge us. You inform the world,” he noted, encouraging the media to actively participate in the Annual Meetings.
Looking Ahead
Under the banner “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development,” the 2025 Annual Meetings will bring together over 5,000 delegates from 91 countries. The sessions will tackle urgent priorities, including macroeconomic stability, energy transitions, and climate finance.
Ending his remarks on a personal note, Adesina raised a toast to progress, partnership, and the enduring vision of the High 5s. “Here’s to the High 5s,” he said, as he prepared to pass the baton to the next leader of Africa’s premier development institution.
