Ivorian President Calls on AfDB to Sustain Adesina’s Legacy as 60th Annual Meetings Open

Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has called on the incoming president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) to continue the reforms championed by outgoing leader, Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina, as the Bank’s 60th Annual Meetings opened in Abidjan.

Five candidates—Swazi Bajabulile Tshabalala (South Africa), Samuel Maimbo (Zambia), Amadou Hott (Senegal), Mahamat Abbas Tolli (Chad), and Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania)—are vying to succeed Adesina, with the election scheduled for Thursday, May 29.

President Ouattara commended Adesina’s decade of leadership, which he said had advanced AfDB’s five key priorities: lighting up Africa, feeding its people, industrializing, integrating the continent, and improving quality of life.

Adesina noted that during his tenure, the Bank approved $102 billion in funding and disbursed $59 billion—record figures in the institution’s history.

He highlighted key initiatives such as the creation of the $7 billion Africa50 infrastructure platform, support for the African Union and AfCFTA, and mobilization of $55 billion for energy projects.

Despite current challenges like conflicts, climate change, and shrinking global financial support, over 5,000 delegates are meeting under the theme “Making the Most of Africa’s Capital to Foster its Development.”