By Emmanuel Nduka
Abidjan is currently playing host to over 6,000 delegates who have assembled for the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings.
Heritage Times HT reports that top on their agenda is the election of a new president to succeed Akinwumi Adesina.
Adesina’s second five-year term ends on August 31.
The meetings, set to officially open on Tuesday, are themed “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.” They will bring together African leaders, finance ministers, central bank governors, private sector executives, civil society groups, and development partners.
This year’s agenda emphasizes leveraging Africa’s vast human, financial, and natural resources to foster inclusive growth, sustainable development, and economic transformation.
According to the event programme, discussions will address Africa’s response to evolving global trade conditions, including the impact of new U.S. tariffs affecting 47 African nations and shifts in development financing.
Key focus areas for the week include infrastructure financing, climate action, food security, digital innovation, and private sector engagement. The outcomes are expected to shape future policy, investment strategies, and regional collaboration across the continent.
Mauritanian economist and former President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) has appeared as a clear favorite to succeed the outgoing Adesina.
The other candidates vying for AfDB’s top job are: Mr. Amadou Hott of Senegal, Dr. Samuel Maimbo of Zambia, Mr. Abbas Mahamat Tolli of Chad, and Ms. Bajabulile Tshabalala of South Africa.
