Online Reporter
Africa Moyo in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
OUTGOING African Development Bank (AfDB) Group President Dr Akinwumi Adesina has urged Africa and the global community to provide Zimbabwe with “appropriate support” in clearing its international arrears, citing precedents set for other nations.
He pledged to continue working with Zimbabwe, particularly on the arrears clearance and debt resolution process.
Elections for his successor were held on Thursday, with Mauritanian “super banker” Dr Sidi Ould Tah securing a commanding victory after garnering 76,18 percent of the vote. He defeated four other candidates: Dr Samuel Munzele Maimbo of Zambia (20,26 percent), Mr Amadou Hott of Senegal (3,55 percent), Ms Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa, and Mr Tolli Abbas Mahamat of Chad.
Dr Adesina will remain in office until August 31, with President-elect Dr Ould Tah assuming office on September 1.
As he concluded his remarks at a side event on Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution process on
Monday, Dr Adesina urged stakeholders to “ensure that we appropriately support Zimbabwe to clear the arrears.”
“We have done it for Somalia, we have done it for Sudan; we need US$2,6 billion in bridge financing. Let’s get that done and support these folks who have worked so hard to come this far.
“You’ve heard testimonies — from former farmers, ambassadors from Europe — so let’s get this done. We are currently in the process of the African Development Fund (ADF) 17th replenishment. I urge all our ADF donors to support Pillar 2, which we use for arrears clearance. Please help us secure the necessary funding so we can support these great people in continuing their work.
“We’ve already supported them with sovereign finance institution advisory services to assist with the arrears clearance roadmap and legal matters. The work must continue. I may be ending my tenure as AfDB President, but my support for Zimbabwe will not end,” he said.
Dr Adesina said that the new AfDB leader “will take the baton.”
“It has been a great pleasure working with the Minister of Finance, Professor Mthuli Ncube, and everyone involved, including President Mnangagwa,” he said.
In an interview yesterday marking the end of the annual meetings, Professor Ncube expressed optimism about working with Dr Ould Tah, noting that they had previously collaborated during Dr Ould Tah’s tenure as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
At the formal opening ceremony of the 2025 AfDB Annual Meetings on Tuesday, Dr Adesina reflected on his presidency, saying he had never treated the role as a job, but rather “a mission” to uplift the continent. He reiterated his commitment to Zimbabwe’s cause.
He highlighted his achievements over the past decade, including his work with former Mozambican President Joachim Chissano on Zimbabwe’s arrears clearance and debt resolution.
“We are also standing with Zimbabwe to clear its arrears to the Bank and other creditors. As champion of the debt arrears process, working with former President Chissano, we have supported Zimbabwe in making significant progress.
“I’m pleased that the IMF Staff Monitored Programme will be concluded this month. Monday’s side event was an emotional moment, showcasing the remarkable efforts being made to address Zimbabwe’s arrears and debt,” he said.
Dr Adesina was visibly moved by a presentation from former farmer Ms Lisa Nislev, who spoke about how farmers were finally receiving compensation — 23 years later — for developments made on the farms they once worked. He left his seat to embrace her.
Reflecting on his 10-year tenure as AfDB President, Dr Adesina said he was honoured to have been entrusted with the responsibility, resources, and platform to help transform Africa.
“In the past decade, the work of the African Development Bank has impacted the lives of 565 million people,” he said.
This includes 28 million people gaining access to electricity, 104 million achieving food security, 121 million benefiting from improved transport, 128 million accessing better health services, 67 million with improved access to ICT, 63 million gaining access to clean drinking water, and 34 million accessing sanitation.
The Bank also accelerated regional integration through major infrastructure support for the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The opening ceremony was attended by Côte d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara, President of the Union of Comoros Azali Assoumani, Ghana’s President John Mahama, Tanzanian Vice President Dr Philip Isdor Mpango (representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan), Botswana Vice President Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe, Niger Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Lamine, former Mozambican President Chissano, and other senior officials.
