More than 6,000 delegates have gathered in Abidjan for the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings, where the election of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s successor dominates the agenda.
Dr. Adesina’s second five-year term as AfDB President ends on August 31, making this election a pivotal moment for the institution’s future leadership.
Opening today under the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development,” the conference draws African Heads of State and Government, Finance Ministers, Central Bank Governors, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society representatives.
The theme underscores the urgent need to harness Africa’s abundant human, financial, and natural resources to accelerate inclusive growth, economic transformation, and sustainable development across the continent.
According to the official programme obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the meetings come at a time of significant global trade shifts, including new U.S. tariffs affecting 47 African countries and evolving international development financing.
“In this context, participants are expected to deliberate on strengthening regional markets, deepening value chains, and positioning Africa as a self-sustaining global player,” the document states.
Over the course of the week, delegates will focus on financing infrastructure, climate action, food security, digital innovation, and boosting private sector engagement.
The discussions will also address cross-cutting themes such as digital transformation, institutional strengthening, and good governance.
These efforts align with major global and continental frameworks including the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the AfDB Group’s High 5 priorities.
The AfDB Group, which includes the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the Nigeria Special Fund, uses the Annual Meetings as a platform to review progress alongside its shareholders, reflecting on the past year and setting priorities for the future.
In February, the Steering Committee of the Board of Governors cleared five candidates to contest the AfDB presidency.
They are Mr. Hott Amadou of Senegal, Dr. Maimbo Samuel Munzele of Zambia, Mr. Tah Sidi Ould of Mauritania, Mr. Tolli Abbas Mahamat of Chad, and Ms. Tshabalala Bajabulile Swazi of South Africa.
The election outcome will shape the strategic direction of the bank amid Africa’s evolving economic landscape.
