The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has reflected on his decade-long tenure, marked by significant achievements across Africa’s development landscape, as he prepares to conclude his term in September 2025.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with journalists on Monday, Adesina described his presidency as a demanding yet incredibly fulfilling journey.
“Leading the AfDB is not a job but a mission,” he said emphasising the all-encompassing nature of the role.
He highlighted the bank’s milestones achieved under his leadership, including the bank’s largest-ever capital increase, which grew from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion, and the successful replenishment of the African Development Fund, which raised $8.9 billion. These efforts, he noted, have positively impacted 500 million Africans.
Adesina also highlighted the success of High 5s, the bank’s core development priorities launched at the start of his tenure in 2015. These priorities, Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa, have touched the lives of over 565 million people.
Remarking on the transformation that had taken place in the bank under his leadership, he said, “The African Development Bank you have today is not the African Development Bank you used to have. This is a global institution now.”
He further advised his successor, “The responsibility of that leader is to build on the past, to look far into the future, and to find within themselves what courage it takes to stand up for Africa’s interest. To make sure that Africa’s voice is never silenced on issues that matter globally and where it matters globally.”
The AfDB outgoing president appreciated the media for their continuous support throughout his presidency and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, describing it as “the greatest honour of his life”.
