UN commend Adesina’s leadership in Africa’s sustainable development

The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has praised African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina, for his efforts in ensuring the economic transformation of Africa.

The bank said in a statement on Thursday, that Guterres relayed the message at the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

First elected as president of the Bank Group in 2015, Adesina will conclude his decade-long tenure at the end of August.

Guterres praised Adesina’s transformative impact, saying: “Your vision and dedication to just and sustainable development have changed countless lives across Africa.”

The secretary-general also reiterated Adesina’s strategic leadership in implementing the ambitious High 5s development agenda of the bank.

Our correspondent reports that the High 5s are; to light up and power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa and improve the quality of life of Africans.

“Under President Adesina’s stewardship, the AfDB achieved remarkable institutional expansion, tripling its capital base during his tenure.

“This growth enabled the Bank to respond effectively to urgent crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, while simultaneously advancing long-term sustainable solutions.

“The Bank’s progress in critical areas, including clean energy development and climate-resilient agriculture sectors are vital to Africa’s sustainable future and climate adaptation efforts,” he said.

The UN chief commended Adesina’s pioneering work on the IMF’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), which had opened new avenues in financing for development.

He said :” tbis innovative approach addresses the pressing needs of countries facing multiple challenges, including debt burdens, climate-related shocks, and severely limited fiscal space.

“Your advocacy was instrumental in securing their re-channeling through multilateral development banks, helping direct and use global resources where they are most needed,” he said.

Guterres also praised Adesina’s contributions to advancing inclusive development and achieving meaningful progress on both the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

While expressing the UN’s appreciation , Guterres said the AfDB President’s efforts had been instrumental in building a more fair and just financial system for all.

“The United Nations thank you and looks forward to building on your remarkable record in the years ahead,” he said.

The Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings had the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.”

The meeting was attended by several heads of state and government including the host, President Alassane Ouattara, Ghana’s President John Mahama and Azali Assoumani of the Union of the Comoros.

More than 6,000 delegates from various parts of the world also attended the event