With his tenure as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) drawing to a close, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has paid a heartfelt courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari to express gratitude for the pivotal role he played in supporting his leadership at Africa’s foremost development finance institution.
Akinwunmi Adesina, who is set to complete his second term in September 2025, described Buhari’s unwavering backing—especially during politically turbulent moments—as crucial to his successful two-term leadership of the AfDB.
“He strongly stood by me in difficult times, which ensured my re-election. Thank you, Sir,” Adesina told Buhari during the private visit.
From Stranded Candidate to Continental Leader
Adesina, originally nominated by former President Goodluck Jonathan, recalled how uncertainty surrounded his candidacy for AfDB President in 2015 after a change of leadership in Nigeria. During his campaign tour, he arrived in one member country only to be reminded that his nominating President was leaving office.
“I was a stranded candidate,” he said. “But I requested a meeting with then-incoming President Buhari—and he received me, heard me out, and chose to stand by me, despite our different political affiliations.”
That decision proved decisive.
Adesina went on to win the presidency and was re-elected in 2020, becoming the first Nigerian to lead the AfDB in its 60-year history.
Buhari Reflects on Leadership, Merit, and National Pride
Former President Muhammadu Buhari, in his response, commended Adesina’s integrity and professional achievements, describing him as one of Nigeria’s finest exports to the world stage.
“I always look at people as Nigerians first. I support individuals based on their merit and what they represent, not party affiliations,” Buhari said.
He also congratulated Adesina on his most recent milestone—the successful rollout of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ)—a signature initiative aimed at accelerating agricultural transformation and agro-industrial development across Africa.
🌱 Legacy of Impact: Agriculture, Infrastructure, and Inclusion
Since assuming office in 2015, Adesina has led the AfDB through a period of robust growth, institutional reforms, and pan-African impact, with key initiatives including:
- Light Up and Power Africa: Advancing access to electricity across the continent
- Feed Africa: Strengthening food security and agricultural value chains
- Industrialize Africa: Driving manufacturing and economic diversification
- Integrate Africa: Boosting regional infrastructure and trade
- Improve the Quality of Life for Africans: Investing in healthcare, education, and social infrastructure
Under his leadership, the Bank’s capital base doubled to $208 billion, and it was named the world’s best multilateral development bank by Global Finance in 2021.
🎯 What’s Next for Adesina—and the AfDB?
As the search for a new AfDB president looms, industry insiders and stakeholders are closely watching the succession process. Adesina’s leadership leaves big shoes to fill—not just in finance, but in visionary economic diplomacy across the continent.
His farewell engagements, including the visit to Buhari, signal the end of a historic era—and the beginning of reflection on what Africa needs next in its journey of sustainable development.
📌 Key Takeaways
- Adesina’s visit to Buhari highlights gratitude and cross-party leadership support
- His tenure at the AfDB is widely seen as transformational
- Flagship projects like SAPZ and Feed Africa remain lasting legacies
- The story reinforces the role of merit-based leadership in Africa’s growth
