Tanzania Names Major Highway After AfDB’s Adesina in Landmark Tribute
The Government of Tanzania has bestowed one of its highest honors on African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, naming the 112-kilometer Dodoma Outer Ring Road after him and awarding him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his visionary leadership and enduring contribution to Africa’s development.
During a two-day official visit, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan praised Dr. Adesina as “a tireless son of Africa” who has helped transform Tanzania’s economy through infrastructure, agriculture, and energy investments.
To mark his contributions, she announced at a commissioning ceremony that the Dodoma Outer Ring Road will now be known as Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Road. The crowd erupted in cheers, and a visibly emotional Adesina was joined by his wife, Grace Adesina, for the historic moment.
The road, a key component of the Cape-to-Cairo corridor, is expected to decongest Dodoma, Tanzania’s administrative capital, and boost regional trade and connectivity. Funded with $138 million from the African Development Bank, $42 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund, and $34.69 million from the Tanzanian government, the road is one of many AfDB-supported projects reshaping the country’s infrastructure landscape.
President Suluhu also highlighted Adesina’s instrumental role in major projects such as the Msalato International Airport, which will feature a 3.6-kilometer runway capable of receiving Airbus A380s and is scheduled for completion by end-2026. The Bank has committed over $198 million for the airport, with contributions from the African Development Fund and the Africa Growing Together Fund.
On Friday, 13 June 2025, Adesina received an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Dar es Salaam. Former President Jakaya Kikwete, the University’s Chancellor, presented the degree, applauding Adesina’s dedication to inclusive growth, innovation, and servant leadership. “Dr. Adesina exemplifies academic brilliance and practical impact,” read the citation.
In his keynote speech to the graduating class, Adesina emphasized humility, resilience, and unity. He surprised the audience by delivering part of his address in Kiswahili, saying: “Mheshimiwa Rais Samia Suluhu Hassan, ningependa kukushukuru kwa mapokezi yako ya upendo na ukarimu… Nimefurahi sana kuwa hapa Dodoma.”
The AfDB, under Adesina’s leadership, has invested $4.73 billion in Tanzania over the past 10 years, accounting for over half of the Bank’s $9 billion investment since 1971. Major initiatives include a 651-kilometer electrified Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension linking Tanzania to Burundi and the DRC.
The AfDB has mobilized $1.2 billion in funding for the SGR, including partial credit guarantees, concessional financing, and government counterpart funds.
Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba praised Adesina’s “enduring legacy” while affirming Tanzania’s pride in its development partnership with the Bank. Former President Kikwete echoed the sentiment, calling the AfDB the “anchor of Tanzania’s infrastructure growth.”
From infrastructure to education, Adesina’s work is seen as a blueprint for sustainable African development. “Together,” he told students at the graduation, “we will succeed and make a difference.”
