The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres says the vision and programmes of Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, outgoing President of the Africa Development Bank (AfDB), has improved countless lives across Africa.
Guterres said this at the ongoing Annual Meetings 2025 of the Bank in Abidjan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a key highlight of the meetings, which opened on Tuesday, is the election of a new AfDB President to succeed Adesina, whose second five-year term ends on 31 August.
“Dr Adesina, your vision and dedication to just and sustainable development have changed countless lives across Africa.
“You set a bold course to help shape the continent for the better through your high fives agenda, powering, feeding, industrialising, integrating Africa and improving the quality of life.
“As president of the AfDB, you tripled the bank’s capital base, led responses to urgent crisis, including COVID-19, while advancing long-term solutions from clean energy to climate resilient agriculture.
“Your leadership on Special Drawing Rights has opened new avenues in financing for development.
“This is essential to support countries facing crushing debt climate shocks and limited fiscal space,’’ Guterres said.
The UN Scribe added that Adesina’s advocacy was instrumental in ensuring multilateral development banks use global resources where they are most needed.
“Thank you for all you have done to advance inclusive development, full progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s agenda .2063.
“We also thank you for building a more fair and just financial system for all across the continent.
“We look forward to building on your remarkable record in the years ahead, Guterres said
NAN reports that the 2025 Meetings themed, “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development” calls for stronger mobilisation of Africa’s vast human, financial, and natural capital to drive inclusive growth and economic transformation
According to the event programme obtained by NAN, the meetings come amid major shifts in global trade, with 47 African countries affected by new U.S. tariffs and adjustments to development financing flows.
“In this context, participants are expected to deliberate on strengthening regional markets, deepening value chains, and positioning Africa as a self-sustaining global player.
“Sessions throughout the week will address financing infrastructure, climate action, food security, digital innovation, and private sector engagement,’’.
Key highlights of the sessions include the Presidential Dialogue, the launch of the African Economic Outlook, and in-depth thematic discussions aimed at mobilising capital and building stronger institutions.
NAN reports that outcomes from the meetings will help guide policy frameworks, partnerships, and investment strategies that reflect Africa’s evolving economic landscape. (NAN)
