The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree honoris causa on the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, in recognition of his extraordinary and enduring contributions to Africa’s socio- economic transformation, including his significant support to Tanzania’s development.

The honorary degree was awarded during UDSM’s 55th Graduation Ceremony (Cluster 1), held on June 13, 2025, in Dar es Salaam. The accolade was presented by UDSM Chancellor and former President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who recalled Tanzania’s early support for Dr Adesina’s candidacy as AfDB President.

In his acceptance speech, Adesina expressed heartfelt appreciation to the University and reaffirmed his deep personal and professional ties to Tanzania. “I am deeply honoured to receive this honorary doctorate from Tanzania’s most prestigious university. I thank the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, University Council, faculty, and staff for this incredible recognition,” he said.

Turning to the graduating Class of 2025, he encouraged them to embrace their role as agents of change. “You are the game-changers. Today, you graduate not just with knowledge—but with the freedom to lead, to innovate, and to transform your communities and the world,” he told them.

He also highlighted that during his tenure, AfDB’s financial support to Tanzania exceeded $4.73 billion—more than half of all the Bank’s cumulative commitments to the country since 1971.

Similarly, the United Republic of Tanzania has named a road after the outgoing AfDB president. Speaking during the visit to Mtumba on June 14, 2025, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, said the decision to name the road after Adesina is a tribute to his leadership and the Bank’s unwavering support for Tanzania’s development agenda.

The government has officially named the soon-to-be-completed outer ring road in the administrative capital, Dodoma, after the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, in recognition of the Bank’s substantial contribution to Tanzania’s infrastructure development.

The announcement was made by President Hassan after the tour of the 112.3-kilometre Dodoma outer ring road project, which is being constructed with funding from the AfDB.

She was accompanied by Adesina, his spouse, senior government officials, and retired leaders, including former President Jakaya Kikwete.

Speaking after the tour on June 14, 2025, President Samia said the decision to name the road after Adesina is a tribute to his leadership during his tenure, and the Bank’s unwavering support for Tanzania’s development agenda.

“You can see that I have been accompanied by Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, during this inspection tour of the ring road,” President Samia told a public rally.

She went on to say that under leadership of Adesina, Tanzania has benefited greatly through several development projects. “As he nears the end of his term, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for his support to our country. May God bless his future endeavours,” she added.

And then she made the announcement: “To honour his contribution, and that of the African Development Bank in strengthening our transport sector, I have approved the minister of Works’ proposal to name the Dodoma outer ring road after him.”

“So, I now officially declare that the Dodoma Outer Ring Road shall be called Dr Akinwumi Adesina Road.”

President Hassan and Adesina also inspected progress at the Msalato International Airport, which is being constructed in part with financing from the AfDB. Once operational, the airport will be directly linked to the Adesina Bypass, making it a vital hub for domestic and regional connectivity.