On Monday 26 May 2025, the African Development Bank opens its Annual Meetings in Abidjan on the theme of « Making the most of Africa’s capital for its development », against a backdrop of growing indebtedness, climate and geopolitical tensions, culminating in the election of the President of the Bank, where 5 candidates are currently in the running.
The Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank got underway on 26 May 2025 in Abidjan, bringing together more than 6,000 delegates, including heads of state, finance ministers and central bank governors. The aim of these meetings is to explore concrete solutions for making better use of Africa’s fiscal, human and natural assets, and to review the continent’s achievements.
In a global context marked by geopolitical tensions, economic instability and climate change, the AfDB wants to position Africa as a key player in sustainable development. The conference will address the challenges of financing economies, increasing indebtedness and ways of achieving more inclusive growth, drawing in particular on the African Economic Outlook 2025 report, unveiled at the event.
The election of the future president of the AfDB, scheduled for 29 May, will be the highlight of the conference. Five African candidates are in the running to succeed Akinwumi Adesina, in office since 2015. This election is of strategic importance for the future of the institution, at a time when the AfDB must redefine its priorities to support the continent’s transformation in the face of global challenges.
