After a decade of transformative leadership, Akinwumi Adesina officially stepped down as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) in an emotional ceremony at the Sofitel Hotel, leaving a legacy of growth, innovation, and inclusivity. Sidi Ould Tah will assume the presidency on September 1, 2025.
In his farewell address, Adesina expressed optimism for the continent’s future: “Africa has everything it needs to prosper. If we continue dreaming together and working united, the best chapter of our continent is yet to be written.” Leaders from across Africa, international partners, and AfDB staff honored his historic tenure, which tripled the bank’s financial capacity from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion in 2024, while maintaining AAA credit ratings.
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A Decade of Impact and Transformation
During his leadership, the AfDB mobilized over $102 billion for development, investing $55 billion in strategic infrastructure, and achieving milestones such as Africa’s first synthetic securitization by a multilateral bank and a $750 million hybrid bond issuance. The bank’s strategic priorities, the “High 5s,” reached 565 million Africans, focusing on:Sustainable energy and access, Infrastructure and transport, Water and sanitation, Financial inclusion and employment.
Adesina also championed gender equity, raising female representation in senior management from 14% in 2015 to 44% in 2025, and promoted the careers of 236 employees. Under his leadership, AfDB was recognized as the world’s most transparent financial institution and ranked among the top 10% of global employers.
Looking Ahead: Sidi Ould Tah’s Presidency
As Adesina departs, he emphasized continuity: “This is not a goodbye, it’s a ‘see you later.’ My heart remains here because our mission continues.” With Sidi Ould Tah taking the reins, the AfDB aims to consolidate these achievements, accelerate economic integration, promote sustainability, and reduce social gaps across Africa.
