Cairo: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has praised Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), for his efforts in strengthening the bank’s role and providing essential funding to advance development across Africa. The commendation was made during a meeting in Cairo, where El-Sisi also extended his best wishes for Adesina’s future endeavors.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, conveyed El-Sisi’s reaffirmation of Egypt’s ongoing support for the AfDB and its commitment to cooperating with the bank’s next president. Adesina expressed his gratitude towards Egypt for its support and highlighted its significant role in enhancing the bank’s development efforts across the continent.
During the meeting, El-Sisi and Adesina discussed ways to further strengthen Egypt’s relationship with the AfDB. They emphasized the importance of boosting cooperation in fields such as new and renewable energy and infrastructure. Both leaders underscored the need to enhance the role of the private sector in development, focusing on job creation, food and water security, energy efficiency, manufacturing capabilities, and digital transformation.
The discussions also highlighted the necessity of continuous AfDB support for Egypt’s growth, development, and economic reform efforts. Additionally, they addressed the implementation of projects under the national platform for the Nexus of Water, Food, and Energy (NWFE) programme. Launched in July 2022, NWFE aims to fulfill Egypt’s commitments to emission targets by 2030, as detailed in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Adesina, who was first elected as the 8th president of the AfDB in May 2015 by the Bank’s Board of Governors, has played a pivotal role in advancing the bank’s mission during his tenure.