African Development Bank Welcomes New Director General for Central Africa
Introduction of Léandre Bassolé
On August 27, 2025, Léandre Bassolé officially stepped into his role as the new Director General of the African Development Bank Group’s (AfDB) Regional Office for Development, Integration, and Business Delivery in Central Africa. The ceremonial handover took place in Yaoundé, Cameroon, marking a significant moment for the nation and the region.
Diplomatic Engagements
Bassolé presented his credentials to Oumarou Chinmoun, the Secretary General of the Cameroonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who represented Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella during this pivotal engagement. Their discussions underscored the African Development Bank’s integral role in advancing economic growth in both Cameroon and the surrounding area.
Chinmoun expressed the government’s gratitude, stating, “We understand that you are here as a son, as a brother, and as a friend. I must tell you how pleased our government is that the Bank has chosen our country to host its regional headquarters.” His remarks highlighted the importance of the Bank’s support in implementing various economic and financial initiatives, particularly in the face of global financial challenges that require resilience across Central Africa.
Collaborative Efforts
The following day, Bassolé was warmly welcomed by Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development, who also serves as Cameroon’s Governor for the Bank. Their meeting centered on enhancing cooperation, tracking the progress of ongoing projects, and exploring new opportunities aligned with the National Development Strategy 2030.
Mey expressed appreciation for the strong collaborative relationship with the Bank, noting, “We have 24 active projects in priority development-related sectors.” These initiatives focus on integrated approaches designed to drive meaningful improvements in the economy and overall quality of life for citizens.
Bank’s Strategic Focus
In his comments, Bassolé emphasized the African Development Bank’s commitment to strengthening its footprint in the region. He affirmed the Bank’s dedication to accelerating project implementation and amplifying the impact of its initiatives across the seven countries that the office serves: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Chad.
“The African Development Bank’s strategy is to roll out all our regional operations from Cameroon and make Yaoundé a centre of excellence,” he explained. His remarks were backed by figures indicating that the Bank’s commitments in Cameroon currently total around $2.2 billion, with nearly half allocated to transport projects, followed closely by energy and agriculture investments.
Current Project Portfolio
As of June 30, 2025, the African Development Bank Group’s portfolio in Cameroon includes 24 active projects valued at $2.2 billion. This is a part of a broader initiative across Central Africa, which encompasses 130 operations, featuring around 40 regional and multinational projects and exceeding $5 billion in total commitments.
Bassolé concluded with a commitment to collaborate closely with Cameroonian authorities on developing projects that align with the aspirations of the populace, reinforcing the focus on sustainable improvements in living conditions for citizens throughout the region.
This new chapter not only signifies a transition in leadership but also reaffirms the African Development Bank’s ongoing commitment to driving regional development and economic resilience in Central Africa.
