African Bank’s Adesina Reflects as Successor Election Heats Up

“I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), in an interview with AllAfrica reflecting on the successes and challenges of his two five-year terms at the helm of the continent’s largest development finance institution.

Under Adesina’s leadership, the AfDB’s capital base more than tripled, and the bank was named the world’s top multilateral financial institution in 2021. It also secured the highest ranking on the Aid Transparency Index published by Publish What You Fund. Adesina has been a prominent global advocate for Africa, frequently engaging with international leaders and ensuring that the continent’s priorities are highlighted on the world stage. “In every global engagement, I have worked to make sure Africa’s voice is heard and its interests are never overlooked,” he said.