ADESINA URGES SWIFT ACTION TO POWER AFRICA’S INDUSTRIAL TRANSFORMATION THROUGH GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

AfDB President Pushes for Fast-Tracking Mattei Plan and EU Global Gateway to Power Africa’s Economic Transformation

Africa Development Finance Global partnership Industrial breakthrough Economic rise Policy alignment.
African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina


African Development Bank (AfDB) President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has issued a clarion call for urgency, unity, and strategic delivery as Africa stands at the crossroads of an industrial breakthrough powered by global partnerships.

Addressing global leaders at the recent joint Mattei Plan–Global Gateway Summit, Adesina championed the synchronized rollout of two multibillion-euro initiatives, the Mattei Plan, led by Italy, and the European Union’s Global Gateway as cornerstones for Africa’s sustainable economic rise.

“These are not just projects; they are lifelines for Africa’s future,” Adesina stated, emphasizing the need for accelerated implementation and deeper policy alignment to turn lofty ambitions into measurable change.

Launched in 2024, the Mattei Plan redefines development cooperation by promoting equitable partnerships with Africa, with strategic investments across energy, agriculture, and migration. In tandem, the Global Gateway has committed €150 billion of its €300 billion budget to Africa’s infrastructure, connectivity, and green energy ambitions.

Adesina spotlighted the Lobito Corridor as a prime example of high-impact investment. This critical trade and transport route, linking Angola, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, is set to become a game-changer for landlocked economies. The AfDB has pledged $1 billion over five years to strengthen value chains, develop urban infrastructure, and support mineral exports along the corridor.

However, he cautioned that the effectiveness of these programmes hinges on strong donor support, particularly for the 17th replenishment of the African Development Fund, the Bank’s lifeline for low-income nations.

Adesina urged partners to scale up funding and fast-track project delivery to unlock the continent’s full economic potential. With global collaboration gaining momentum, Adesina closed with a powerful message: “Together, let us do more with Africa.”

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