UN Chief Applauds Adesina’s Decade of Impact at AfDB

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has commended African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for his transformative leadership in advancing Africa’s development and global financial equity.

In a powerful tribute delivered during the AfDB’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Guterres praised Adesina’s “extraordinary vision” and decade-long contribution to just, inclusive, and sustainable development across Africa. Adesina, first elected in 2015, is set to conclude his second five-year term at the end of August.

“Your vision and dedication to just and sustainable development have changed countless lives across Africa,” said Guterres, highlighting the AfDB’s expanded impact under Adesina’s tenure.

At the heart of Adesina’s legacy is the Bank’s ambitious High 5s development agenda: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa. These five pillars have guided major projects and policies across the continent, propelling socioeconomic progress.

Guterres commended the AfDB’s institutional transformation, noting the tripling of its capital base under Adesina’s leadership, which allowed it to swiftly respond to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic while pursuing climate-resilient and long-term development strategies.

The UN chief also lauded Adesina’s global advocacy on the rechanneling of IMF Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) through multilateral development banks. He emphasized that this strategic push opened vital financing opportunities for countries navigating debt distress, climate emergencies, and limited fiscal capacity.

“Your advocacy was instrumental in securing their re-channeling… helping direct and use global resources where they are most needed,” Guterres said.

He further praised Adesina’s role in advancing clean energy, climate-smart agriculture, and regional integration—all essential to achieving both the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

“The United Nations thanks you and looks forward to building on your remarkable record in the years ahead,” Guterres concluded.

The Bank Group’s Annual Meetings, themed “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development”, drew over 6,000 participants, including heads of state such as Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara, Ghana’s John Mahama, and Comoros’ Azali Assoumani, reaffirming the global significance of AfDB’s work.