The African Development Bank Group says it will construct a new state-of-the-art headquarters building in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

AfDB said in a statement on Tuesday that the bank’s boards approved the directors’ decision.

The bank emphasised the importance of maintaining a strong presence in the country and providing a modern work environment for its staff members.

The bank added that its president, Akinwumi Adesina, had received the title deed of the site hosting the institution’s headquarters building in Abidjan from the dean of the bank’s board of directors, Adama Koné.

It also noted that the group’s board of directors approved, on December 16, the proposal by the bank’s management to construct a modern state-of-the-art building to host its headquarters in Côte d’Ivoire’s commercial capital, Abidjan.

The group explained that executive directors unanimously approved the proposal, stating it was important for the bank to maintain its strong presence in Abidjan and to invest in a work environment that supports the well-being of its staff.

Its president, Akinwumi Adesina, applauded the decision of the Board of Directors, describing it as “historic for the staff of the bank, for the bank itself, for Cote d’Ivoire and for Africa.”

According to the bank, it sends a clear message that the African Development Bank, as Africa’s premier financial institution, deserves headquarters befitting its global reputation.

Rising on the site of the current headquarters, the new building will showcase architectural innovation through its energy-efficient design and advanced security features, marking a new chapter in the AfDB’s presence in Abidjan.

The new headquarters building will also provide enhanced facilities to receive and interact with its shareholders and stakeholders while aligning the bank’s work environment with its commitment to green growth, energy efficiency and safety.

The dean of the bank group’s board of directors, Adama Koné, who is the executive director representing Cote d’Ivoire on the board, presented the approved title deed for the site by the government to Mr Adesina.

Mr Adesina expressed gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire and the government for their strong support of the bank.

(NAN)