The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is set to elect a new president during its 2025 Annual Meetings, scheduled from May 26 to 30 at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This leadership transition follows the completion of Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina’s second term as Group President.
The election marks a significant moment for the Bank as it prepares to choose a new leader to continue advancing its development agenda. Under Dr. Adesina’s leadership since 2015, the AfDB has focused on promoting economic growth, modernizing agriculture, and enhancing private sector involvement. The new president will be tasked with building on these achievements while addressing emerging challenges.
Leadership Transition at a Crucial Time
The election comes as the AfDB aims to mobilize Africa’s diverse capital resources, human, natural, financial, and commercial, to drive sustainable development. This year’s meeting is themed “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development” and will focus on strategies to build inclusive, green, and resilient economies. Key discussions will also cover digital transformation, institutional strengthening, and good governance, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Gathering of Key Stakeholders
The Annual Meetings are expected to draw more than 6,000 delegates, including African heads of state, finance ministers, central bank governors, private sector leaders, and development partners. These meetings will serve as a platform to review the Bank’s progress over the past year and outline priorities moving forward.
Additionally, this year’s event will include the 60th Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank and the 51st Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Fund. These statutory sessions will provide an opportunity to assess the institution’s strategies and discuss ways to enhance its impact across the continent.
Driving Collaboration and Innovation
The meetings will also feature knowledge sessions that explore how to optimize Africa’s capital potential through partnerships and innovation. Delegates will discuss approaches to attract external financing, leverage digital solutions, and strengthen public-private collaboration to address infrastructure and economic challenges.
The Annual Meetings will also focus on reinforcing the AfDB’s High 5s priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
