Nigeria’s Dr. Adesina elected Africa Development Bank President
Abidjan- Ivory Coast
The outgoing Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Nigeria, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been elected as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Dr. Adesina replaces Dr. Donald Kaberuka who has led the continental bank since 2005.
Dr. Adesina won with 58.1 per cent of the total vote, assuring him victory in a hotly contested race that saw him beat seven other contestants. His closest rival Kordje Bedoumra, Chad's Minister of Planning, Economy and International Cooperation, attracted a total of 31.62 per cent while Critina Duarte- Cape Verde’s Minister of Finance and Planning and Vice President of the Islamic Development Ban, came third with total votes 10.27 per cent.
The votes comprised of governors from 80 member countries- 54 from African and others from the rest of the world. The Ugandan delegation led by the state minister for finance, Fred Janach Omach, said Uganda is proud to have seconded Dr. Adesina’s nomination to become AfDB.
“I would like to thank Uganda for having faith in me and seconding me and ultimately the governors for entrusting me with their votes to lead Africa’s most powerful bank,” Dr. Adesina said in his first speech as president amidst ululations from the audience. The in-coming AfDB leader promised to advance the ideals of development of Africa.