United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, has lauded the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina for his visionary leadership in global finance, particularly his pioneering role in leveraging the International Monetary Fund’s Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to address the development needs of vulnerable nations.

In a message delivered during the Bank Group’s 2025 Yearly Meetings in Abidjan, Guterres commended Adesina for opening new avenues in financing for development, describing his approach as a transformative contribution to the global development finance architecture.

He added that this innovation has provided a lifeline to countries grappling with overlapping crises, including unsustainable debt burdens, climate-induced shocks, and shrinking fiscal space.

“Your advocacy was instrumental in securing the re-channeling of SDRs through multilateral development banks, helping direct and use global resources where they are most needed,” Guterres stated.

Guterres further praised Adesina’s strategic leadership in implementing the AfDB’s signature High 5s agenda, which includes, to Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.

He noted that the initiative has yielded tangible progress toward both the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

The UN boss stated that the Bank has experienced unprecedented institutional growth, with its capital base tripling since he assumed office. Guterres said this expansion has positioned the AfDB to respond effectively to both immediate global emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and long-term structural challenges.

He also highlighted the Bank’s growing impact in priority sectors such as clean energy and climate-resilient agriculture, areas he described as “vital to Africa’s sustainable future and its climate adaptation efforts.”

The Secretary-General further applauded Adesina’s commitment to equity and justice in the global financial system.

Your efforts have been instrumental in building a more fair and just financial system for all,” Guterres noted.