AfDB 2025 Annual Meetings: Adesina describes his 10-yr presidency as consuming, yet profoundly fulfilling mission

President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has described his ten-year presidency as a consuming yet profoundly fulfilling mission.

He said this while speaking on Monday, May 26, at a breakfast meeting with journalists, on the sidelines of the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings, taking place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from 26 to 30 May 2025 – during which a new president of the Bank will be elected.

“This is not a job. If anyone is looking for a job, please don’t take it. This is not a job. This is a mission,” he said. “As my wife, Grace and staff would tell you, for ten years I have had no life. Completely zero. I worked every single day. Every single step.”

Adesina expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the institution. “Serving as President of the African Development Bank Group has been the greatest honor of my life,” he said. “It has been a decade of relentless purpose, of enduring passion, and of tireless service.”

The event was attended by journalists covering the Annual Meetings, which are expected to draw a record 6,000 delegates from 91 countries, including policymakers, private sector leaders, academics, civil society, development partners, and media.

“[This] is one of my favorite moments of every Annual Meeting. It gives me the opportunity to speak frankly, reflect deeply, and thank you sincerely,” Adesina told the journalists , adding that the 2025 Meetings are “the final chapter of a remarkable decade of transformation.”

Delivering his remarks in English and French, Adesina reeled out the Bank’s biggest achievements, including the largest capital increase in its history, from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion; the record replenishment of the African Development Fund, raising $8.9 billion; and the half a billion Africans who have benefited from the Bank’s investments under his leadership.

Adesina’s presidency began in 2015 with the launch of the “High 5s” development priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

He said “Ten years ago, right here in Abidjan, I stood before many of you, for the very first time, newly elected as President of the African Development Bank Group. Today, I welcome you not only to the 2025 Annual Meetings, but also to the final chapter of a remarkable decade of transformation. This morning, I am especially pleased to share this moment with you. This session is not just a tradition. It is one of my favorite moments of every Annual Meeting. It gives me the opportunity to speak frankly, reflect deeply, and thank you sincerely.

“Over the years, you have told the story of the African Development Bank Group. You have held us to account. You have shared our triumphs, and at times, our trials. You have been part of this journey. It is a family engagement time. Let me start by simply saying thank you for being here, in such large numbers, to launch these final Annual Meetings of my tenure. This year’s Annual Meetings are particularly meaningful, not just for me. By the end of this week, the Bank’s shareholders will have elected the next President of the African Development Bank Group. It marks a moment of renewal, transition, and continued ambition. Leadership may change, but our mission endures. The Bank’s compass is steady, its sails strong, and its commitment to Africa’s development is unwavering.

“It is hard to believe how swiftly time has passed. When I was elected in 2015, I did not have any grey hair then. Now, my hair has turned several shades of grey! Grey from 10 years of unrelenting drive to push Africa forward. Grey, thanks to our tireless efforts to turn the Bank into a globally respected financial institution that was ranked as the best multilateral financial institution in the world.

“Grey, from leading the Bank to achieve the largest capital increase in its history, raising the capital of the Bank from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion today – an unprecedented achievement. Grey from leading the Bank to achieve the highest replenishment of the African Development Fund in the history of the Fund, as we successfully raised $8.9 billion for its 16^th replenishment. Grey from working side by side with my staff to lead on global financial innovations such as the launch of hybrid capital instruments and synthetic securitization, becoming the first ever multilateral financial institution to do so globally. Grey from our collective work to ensure that we serve the people of Africa with passion, dedication, and accountability to help Africa develop with pride. Grey, from holding nothing back in service of the people of Africa.”

 

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