I'll use AfDB to build a new Africa – Adesina

Newly-elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has promised to work with African and non-African shareholders of the bank to build a new continent. Mr Adesina, who expressed appreciation to all those who supported him to attain his new height, also promised to work with all African governments to bring more inclusive economic growth across the continent.

''The shareholders of the AfDB from African and non-African countries gave strong support, for which I am deeply grateful. Together, we will build a new Africa with inclusive and green growth. Together, we can build a stronger and more prosperous Africa, with smart infrastructure, energy for all, a strong private sector, new economic opportunities that will deliver quality jobs and hope for millions of youths and women, revival of Africa’s rural economies to lift many out of poverty, and regional integration for shared prosperity. I am deeply humbled and honoured to have been entrusted with the great responsibility of leading the AfDB at a time that presents such great opportunities and also profound challenges for our continent. The AfDB campaign and election have been an incredible experience, and I am grateful to all those who supported me along the way and to each and every person with whom I’ve met and exchanged ideas and hopes for inclusive economic growth on our continent throughout this process. I am hopeful and excited about the prospect of building on the great work of President Donald Kaberuka at the AfDB. Our leaders rallied behind us in a historic display of unity of purpose and common commitment. I would like to give my special thanks to a few people in particular without whom this success would not have been possible: former president, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, for nominating me, for his confidence, and his steadfast, enthusiastic support; President Muhammadu Buhari for his strong endorsement and for rallying support for us, and Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for her vital role and tremendous effort in delivering this successful outcome. Okonjo-Iweala, as Nigeria’s finance minister, worked passionately for our campaign, and our success would have been impossible without her tireless work shepherding support among many of the esteemed finance ministers and governors at the AfDB, the statement read.

Adesina commended outgoing president of the bank, Donald Kaberuka, for his outstanding contributions to AfDB and promised to consolidate on his achievements. He also extended his gratitude to former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; former head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; former head of state, General Yakubu Gowon; former vice president, Namadi Sambo and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, who for their contributions towards his emergence as the bank’s chief executive.