Dodoma: The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has honoured the President of the Africa Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for his contributions to the country’s economic transformation. The Tanzanian President, Samia Hassan, recognized Adesina during a ceremony held in Dodoma, commending his leadership that has impacted Tanzania’s growth and regional integration.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, President Hassan described Adesina as a visionary leader whose influence has significantly shaped Tanzania’s development. In a gesture of appreciation, the 112-kilometre Dodoma Outer Ring Road, a major infrastructure project financed by the AfDB, has been renamed Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Road. President Hassan expressed Tanzania’s gratitude to the AfDB for being a reliable partner in the country’s development and commended the bank’s support in the agricultural and energy sectors, as well as regional infrastructure projects linking Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Adesina, visibly moved and accompanied by his wife, Grace Adesina, was in Tanzania on a two-day official visit to inspect AfDB-funded projects. These projects included the Standard Gauge Railway, key roads, and the Msalato International Airport. The AfDB has invested over nine billion dollars in Tanzania since 1971, with 4.73 billion dollars committed during Adesina’s tenure over the past decade. The Dodoma Outer Ring Road, now renamed in his honour, is part of the Cape to Cairo transport corridor, receiving a total of 214.69 million dollars in financing from various sources.
In another highlight of the visit, Adesina was conferred with an Honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of Dar es Salaam. The Chancellor, former President Jakaya Kikwete, praised him as a model of excellence in leadership and development, highlighting his emphasis on inclusive growth, innovation, and economic resilience.
Adesina, who delivered part of his remarks in Kiswahili, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and pledged continued support for Africa’s progress. He emphasized that Tanzania is not just building infrastructure but also creating pathways for prosperity and opportunity.
The AfDB has also mobilized more than 1.2 billion dollars in syndicated financing for the extension of the electrified Standard Gauge Railway and is contributing over 198 million dollars to the ongoing Msalato International Airport project.
