By Muhammad Amaan
World Bank has called for more impact-driven partnerships to address the development challenges in Africa.
This call is part of a broader push for more collaborative and outcome-focused development efforts, recognising that global challenges like climate change, health pandemics, and economic instability require a concerted effort from various stakeholders
The World Bank President, Mr Ajay Banga, in a statement by the African Development Bank (AfDB), said that friendship alone was not sufficient to meet Africa’s development needs.
Banga spoke while giving a tribute for AfDB’s President Dr Akinwumi Adesina during the closing of the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The tribute coincided with Adesina’s final Annual Meeting as president, ahead of the completion of his 10-year tenure at the end of August.
Reflecting on their institutional and personal rapport, Banga credited his early engagement with Adesina as the basis for a renewed partnership between the two banks.
He however said that deeper cooperation must be guided by shared purpose and measurable outcomes.
“I think our personal relationship, which started when I came to visit you when I was just a candidate for the job.
“Helped to lay the groundwork for a renewed and stronger partnership between our two institutions.
“But friendship alone is not a strategy and we both knew that,” he said.
Banga identified the Mission 300 initiative as a key example of strategic alignment.
“The initiative, launched jointly by the World Bank and AfDB, aims to provide electricity access to 300 million people across Africa.
“It’s a shared ambition to bring energy to 300 million people in Africa, a demonstration of what is possible when the multilateral development banks work like a system,” he said.
According to the World bank president, real impact will depend on achieving tangible results, attracting private sector investment, and creating jobs that lift the quality of life on the continent.
“We have made real progress in a short time, but the eyes of the world are upon us. What we need to show is real progress, real results, real opportunities,” he said.
The AfDB’s shareholders during its meetings elected former Mauritanian Finance Minister Dr Sidi Ould Tah as Adesina’s successor.
Dr Tah most recently served for a decade as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
Banga expressed confidence in the Bank’s future under Tah’s leadership and reaffirmed the World Bank’s commitment to working closely with the AfDB.
“It will grow stronger because our work is far from done, and we are united in our shared purpose,” he stated.
He also extended appreciation to Adesina and the AfDB team, saying, “Thank you for your leadership, your friendship, your passion, and your commitment to Africa.”
The 2025 AfDB Annual Meetings, held under the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development,” and attracted over 6,000 delegates, including several African leaders.
Notable attendees included host President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana’s President John Mahama, and President Azali Assoumani of the Union of the Comoros.
