On May 27, 2025, Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), addressed the bank’s annual meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting on his decade-long tenure. “I gave Africa my heart, my mind, and my all,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to the continent’s interests.
Financial Growth and Impact
Under Adesina’s leadership from 2015 to 2025, the AfDB’s capital grew from $93 billion to $318 billion. The bank disbursed $59 billion over the past decade, nearly half of its total disbursements since 1964, and approved $102 billion in loans, representing 46% of its historical approvals. “These are not just numbers,” Adesina said, highlighting the bank’s transformative role in supporting African financial institutions, including commercial banks and regional development bodies.
Key Achievements
Adesina noted that the African Development Fund’s 16th replenishment (ADF16) raised a record $8.9 billion, enabling access to $27 billion from global capital markets through a new financing model. Partnerships with the African Union included $11.5 million for institutional support, $17 million for the African Continental Free Trade Area, and $27 million for the Africa CDC. The African Investment Forum, launched in 2018, attracted $225 billion in project interest.
Legacy and Future Commitment
Adesina’s tenure impacted 565 million lives through AfDB initiatives. As he prepares to step down, he vowed to continue serving Africa, stating, “I am thoroughly convinced that He did not make a mistake in creating me as an African.” His leadership has strengthened the continent’s financial architecture and positioned the AfDB as a dynamic force for development.
