A Significant Courtesy Visit by AfDB’s President to Côte d’Ivoire
Sidi Ould Tah, the newly elected president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), recently paid a courtesy visit to Alassane Ouattara, the President of Côte d’Ivoire. This meeting took place on a Wednesday, highlighting a warm professional relationship between the two leaders.
Expressing Gratitude and Building Bonds
During the visit, Ould Tah expressed sincere appreciation to President Ouattara for the support he received during his election campaign, which culminated in his appointment as the ninth president of AfDB in May. Following their discussion, Ould Tah, alongside Nialé Kaba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development, addressed both national and international media to underscore the significance of their meeting.
“It was an honour for me to pay a courtesy visit to His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara, to thank him for his support during the election for the Bank’s leadership and for the warm welcome I received upon my arrival in Côte d’Ivoire to take up my duties,” Ould Tah remarked.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Commitment to the African Development Bank’s Mission
Ould Tah revealed that President Ouattara reiterated Côte d’Ivoire’s solid support for the Bank’s objectives, particularly concerning the construction of its new headquarters in Abidjan. He expressed satisfaction with the Bank’s ongoing projects in the country, which have seen remarkable growth.
He shared details regarding the AfDB’s portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire, noting that investment has notably increased from $460 million in 2015 to a substantial $3.1 billion as of 2023. This funding supports vital sectors such as transport, energy, agriculture, and healthcare, enhancing social services crucial for regional development.
Strengthening Regional Connectivity and Integration
The AfDB has focused on financing agricultural infrastructure and cross-border connectivity projects, which are pivotal in fostering regional integration across West Africa. These initiatives highlight the Bank’s commitment to advancing socio-economic growth within its member countries.
Mobilizing Financial Resources for Development Challenges
When questioned by journalists regarding the potential use of pension funds for co-financing developmental projects, Ould Tah emphasized a pressing need for innovative financial strategies. He stated that in a globally constrained financial landscape, it is imperative to “mobilize all financial resources within the continent to address the challenges.” This statement reflects the urgency for collaborative and resourceful solutions in development finance.
Historical Ties and Future Collaborations
Ould Tah’s courtesy visit served to affirm the longstanding partnership between the African Development Bank and Côte d’Ivoire, a founding member and the host nation of the institution since its inception in 1965. The dialogue demonstrated not only gratitude but a mutual commitment to advancing shared goals in development finance.
Earlier this month, during his inauguration, Ould Tah acknowledged President Ouattara’s significant contributions, voicing “deep gratitude for his crucial role and valuable support” throughout his election process as the head of Africa’s leading development finance institution.
This visit marked a step forward in enhancing collaboration and solidifying the relationship between the African Development Bank and its host country, with a focus on promoting sustainable development, regional integration, and resource mobilization.
Media Contact:
Amadou Mansour Diouf,
Communications and External Relations Department,
African Development Bank Group,
email: media@afdb.org
