African Development Bank Prepares for Crucial 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan.

Saturday 12th April 2025

Par inAfrika Reporter

The African Development Bank Group is gearing up for its 2025 Annual Meetings, scheduled from May 26 to 30 at the Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire in Côte d’Ivoire. At the center of this year’s gathering will be a pressing discussion on how Africa can better utilize its abundant capital to drive sustainable development while confronting the pressing issues of rising debt, climate change, and shifting global trade dynamics.

At a recent press briefing hosted both in Abidjan and virtually, over 100 journalists joined to hear from Prof. Vincent Nmehielle, Secretary General of the African Development Bank Group, and Prof. Kevin Urama, the institution’s Chief Economist and Vice President for Economic Governance. Both officials underscored the significance of the meetings, especially in light of the changing global economic climate and the internal shifts within the Bank itself.

Among the most anticipated events of the Annual Meetings will be the election of a new Bank president. The current president, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, will be stepping down after a decade of service. The new president will be elected by the Bank Group’s 81 governors through a double majority vote and is set to assume office on September 1. Five candidates from five African nations are currently in the running for the leadership role.

This year’s theme, “Making the Most of Africa’s Capital to Foster Its Development,” points to a strategic focus on leveraging Africa’s own fiscal, human, natural, and business capital. Prof. Urama highlighted that this theme would be explored deeply in the upcoming sessions, which include a presidential dialogue and four major knowledge events featuring contributions from heads of state, ministers, civil society, and the Bank’s partners.

The 2025 African Economic Outlook report, to be unveiled during the meetings, will offer insights on debt burdens, resource mobilisation, and strategies for building stronger institutions. It will also touch on external challenges, such as global trade tensions and the impact of tariff policies, particularly from major economies like the United States.

In response to questions from the media, Urama acknowledged that discussions around trade wars align with the theme of maximizing Africa’s business capital. He noted that how countries respond to trade policies will be an important area of focus.

Nmehielle emphasized the importance of self-reliance, urging African leaders to depend more on internal resources as external aid becomes less reliable. Both he and Urama called on journalists to play an active role in shaping positive narratives about Africa’s potential and progress. They stressed that strong storytelling, backed by facts, can support the continent’s development by fostering accountability and encouraging local solutions.