NAN
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has praised African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina for his efforts in ensuring Africa’s economic transformation.
The Bank said in a Thursday statement that Guterres relayed the message at the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Adesina was first elected president of the Bank Group in 2015 and will conclude his decade-long tenure at the end of August.
Guterres praised Adesina’s transformative impact: “Your vision and dedication to just and sustainable development have changed countless lives across Africa.”
The Secretary-General also reiterated Adesina’s strategic leadership in implementing the Bank’s ambitious High 5s development agenda.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the High 5s are to light up and power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and improve the quality of life of Africans.
“Under President Adesina’s stewardship, the AfDB achieved remarkable institutional expansion, tripling its capital base during his tenure.
“This growth enabled the Bank to respond effectively to urgent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while advancing long-term sustainable solutions.
“The Bank’s progress in critical areas, including clean energy development and climate-resilient agriculture sectors, is vital to Africa’s sustainable future and climate adaptation efforts,” he said.
The UN chief commended Adesina’s pioneering work on the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which had opened new avenues in development financing.
He said: “This innovative approach addresses the pressing needs of countries facing multiple challenges, including debt burdens, climate-related shocks, and severely limited fiscal space.
“Your advocacy was instrumental in securing their re-channelling through multilateral development banks, helping direct and use global resources where they are most needed,” he said.
Guterres also praised Adesina’s contributions to advancing inclusive development and achieving meaningful progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
While expressing the UN’s appreciation, Guterres said the AfDB President’s efforts had been instrumental in building a fairer and just financial system for all.
“The United Nations thanks you and looks forward to building on your remarkable record in the years ahead,” he said.
The Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings had the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.”
Several heads of state and government attended the meeting, including the host, President Alassane Ouattara, Ghana’s President John Mahama, and Azali Assoumani of the Union of the Comoros.
More than 6,000 delegates from around the world also attended the event.