UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has praised the leadership of Dr Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank, AfDB, highlighting his transformative impact on the continent’s development landscape.
Speaking at the 2025 AfDB Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Guterres said Adesina’s vision and commitment had improved countless lives across Africa, especially through the implementation of his “High 5” strategic priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for Africans.
“Your leadership helped triple the Bank’s capital base, enabling vital investments in clean energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and infrastructure.
You also led Africa’s coordinated response to COVID-19 while crafting long-term solutions,” Guterres said in his message.
The UN chief highlighted Adesina’s leadership in championing the use of Special Drawing Rights to unlock new development financing options.
He noted that this has allowed more African nations to weather financial shocks, particularly in the face of rising debt burdens and climate-related challenges.
Guterres also commended Adesina’s push to reform the global financial architecture, ensuring multilateral institutions allocate resources more equitably and transparently.
“Thank you for building a more inclusive development model and helping position Africa to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063,” Guterres added.
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The Annual Meetings, themed “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development,” coincide with global financial uncertainty and rising protectionist policies, including recent U.S. tariffs impacting 47 African countries.
Participants from across the continent are using the platform to discuss how Africa can strengthen its economic independence through deeper regional trade, innovation, and institutional reform.
This year’s programme features the Presidential Dialogue, the launch of the African Economic Outlook 2025, and high-level sessions on climate finance, private sector engagement, food systems, and digital transformation.
Adesina’s successor is expected to be elected before the conclusion of the meetings.
Whoever emerges will inherit a bank that has grown in stature and influence under Adesina’s leadership, and one that is central to Africa’s push for economic resilience and self-sustaining growth.
NAN
