The European Business Council for Africa

African Development Bank Group’s 2025 Annual Meetings: African Leaders to discuss strategies to make the continent’s capital work better for development

Tuesday, 27 May 2025,

11:00–13:00 GMT

Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire / Online

Several African leaders will join the host President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire for a Presidential Dialogue on “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development” at the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan.

The Dialogue is a significant highlight and will kick-start knowledge-sharing events immediately after the official opening ceremony on 27 May. Following opening remarks by Group President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the Dialogue will feature a two-part high-level panel of African Heads of State and Government to reflect on strategies to utilise Africa’s capital for development and identifying the key challenges and opportunities.

Expected speakers include :

  • H.E. Mr. Alassane Ouattara, President, Republic of Côte d’Ivoire.
  • H.E. ⁠Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
  • H.E. Mr. William Samoei Ruto, President, Republic of Kenya
  • H.E. Mr. John Mahama, President, Republic of Ghana.
  • H.E. Ms. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President, United Republic of Tanzania.
  • H.E. ⁠Mr. Julius Maada Bio, President, Republic of Sierra Leone
  • H.E. Mr. Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, President of the Council, Republic of Togo
  • H.E. Mr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President, Republic of Zimbabwe.
  • H.E. Mr. Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
  • H.E. Mr. Azali Assoumani, President, the Union of Comoros

The African leaders will provide their perspectives based on their experiences, thereby promoting peer-to-peer learning.

Dr. Victor Oladokun, Senior Advisor to the African Development Bank Group President on Communications and Stakeholders Engagement, and Ms. Marie-Angèle Touré, media producer, will moderate the program.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to listen to African leaders discuss on how to make the most of Africa’s extensive natural, human, economic and financial capital by visiting the Annual Meetings 2025 website: https://am.afdb.org

Join the discussion using the hashtag #AfDBAM2025

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What:        Presidential Dialogue at the African Development Bank Group’s Annual Meetings on “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development”

Who:         His Excellency Mr Alassane Ouattara, President of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, African heads of state, African Union Commission, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group; Regional Member Countries

When:       Tuesday, 27 May 2025, 11:00–13:00 GMT

Where:      Palais des congrès, Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire and online.

Find out more here