News Investigators/ The President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, has expressed his pride and commitment to serving the continent.
Mr Adeshina spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday at the close of the Africa Investment Forum, Market Days 2024, in Rabat, Morocco.
He said that working for Africa was not just a job, but a mission. His two-term tenure at the helm at AfDB comes to an in 2025.
Reflecting on the bank’s progress over the past decade, Adesina highlighted the significant increase in the its capital.
According to him, the bank’s capital has moved from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion.
He also noted the bank’s improved global reputation, having been ranked as the best multilateral financial institution in the world two years ago.
Mr Adesina said that the bank was also ranked the most transparent financial institution in the world for two consecutive years.
When asked about the challenges he had faced, Adesina drew on his experience as a high school hurdler, stating that challenges are meant to be surmounted.
He expressed his gratitude to God for enabling him to overcome numerous challenges during his assignment.
Looking to the future, Adesina emphasised his commitment to continued service to Africa.
“Life is not about personal gain, but about serving others,” he said.
The AfDB president was reluctant to disclose his next move when his tenure at the bank comes to an in 2025.
Mr Adeshina, who is a former Minister of Agriculture in Nigeria, simply told NAN that he would continue to serve Africa in whatever capacity he could.
His comments come as the bank continues to play a critical role in driving economic growth and development across the continent.
The Africa Investment Forum’s Market Days 2024 brought together investors, transaction sponsors, government leaders, and development finance institutions.
One of the key announcements made during the closing ceremony was the $42 million first close of Seedstars Africa Ventures I.
The venture is capital fund that invests in early-stage startups in Africa.
The fund has already committed over $10 million to five companies across Africa, with the goal of creating over 10,000 formal jobs.
The forum has been a game-changer for the continent.
It has mobilised nearly $183 billion in investment interest since its inception in 2018.
NAN