UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres says the vision of Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, has changed countless lives across Africa.

Mr Guterres said this at the ongoing AGM of the bank in Abidjan.

“Dr Adesina, your vision and dedication to just and sustainable development have changed countless lives across Africa. You set a bold course to help shape the continent for the better through your high fives agenda, powering, feeding, industrialising, integrating Africa and improving the quality of life.

“As president of the AfDB, you tripled the bank’s capital base. Led responses to urgent crises, including COVID-19, while advancing long-term solutions from clean energy to climate-resilient agriculture.

“Your leadership on Special Drawing Rights has opened new avenues in financing for development. This is essential to support countries facing crushing debt climate shocks and limited fiscal space,’’ Mr Guterres said.

According to him, your advocacy is instrumental in securing rechanneling through multilateral development banks, helping direct and use global resources where they are most needed.

The United Nations secretary-general commended Adesina, saying, “We look forward to building on your remarkable record in the years ahead.”

(NAN)