Abidjan: The African Development Bank has been an accelerator of Africa's development for the last 10 years, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, said today. The outgoing president emphasized that the five key priorities of the bank-to light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialize Africa, integrate Africa, and improve the quality of life of the people of Africa-have been transformational for the continent.
According to Kenya News Agency, during his address at the Formal Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group in Abidjan, Dr. Adesina highlighted the impact of the bank's initiatives over the past decade. The African Development Bank's efforts have touched the lives of 565 million people, providing 28 million with access to electricity, ensuring food security for 104 million, improving transport for 121 million, enhancing health services for 128 million, increasing ICT access for 67 million, and providing drinking water and sanitation for 97 million people.
Dr. Adesina highlighted the bank's role in accelerating regional integration through extensive infrastructure support for the African Continental Free Trade Area. Under his leadership, the bank provided USD 102 billion in support to Africa, representing 46% of its financing since 1964. This included USD 55 billion for infrastructure projects like roads, rails, airports, and more.
He cited specific projects, such as Kenya's Last Mile Connectivity Project, which increased national electricity grid connections from 2.42 million households in 2014 to 9.7 million in 2024. This helped raise Kenya's electricity access from 36% to 76%. He also mentioned the Lake Turkana wind project, Africa's largest operational wind power mill, and recognized President William Ruto for honoring him with Kenya's Highest National Honour.
Dr. Adesina addressed the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, noting Africa's struggles with vaccine access. In response, the AfDB launched a USD 3 billion social bond and established a USD 10 billion Crisis Response Facility. The bank is now implementing USD 3 billion programs for health infrastructure and pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity in Africa.
In agriculture, AfDB's efforts have allowed 104 million Africans to achieve food security and provided 13 million farmers with improved agricultural technologies. The bank's USD 1.5 billion emergency food production facility helped avert a food crisis following disruptions caused by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, leading to the production of 44 million tonnes of food, exceeding targets.
As Dr. Adesina's tenure as President of the Bank concludes, he expressed pride in the work accomplished and the impact on millions of Africans' lives. He thanked African leaders for their support and reiterated that being President was a mission, not just a job.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina will step down in September after serving two five-year terms. During the Annual General Meeting, candidates including Mr. HOTT Amadou from Senegal, Dr. MAIMBO Samuel Munzele from Zambia, Dr. TAH Sidi Ould from Mauritania, Mr. TOLLI Abbas Mahamat from Chad, and Ms. TSHABALALA Bajabulile Swazi from South Africa are vying for the presidency, with elections taking place this week. The 2025 Annual Meeting is being held in Abidjan, C´te d'Ivoire, under the theme: 'Making Africa's Capital Work Better for Africa's Development.'