"We constantly need to remind ourselves that the freedoms which democracy brings will remain empty shells if they are not accompanied by real and tangible improvements in the material lives of the millions of ordinary citizens."

Nelson Mandela

An extraordinary man is gone. Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa (1994-1999) and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate (1993) died yesterday December 5, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. He was 95 years old. His death is a global event. And the entire world is preparing to make it a tribute that matches the icon that he was. This will be the measure of his exceptional sacrifice for his family, his country, Africa and the whole of humanity. Self-sacrifice for freedom, justice, equality and peace. His political career and his commitment to the development of Africa have made Mandela a towering figure that the world has continued to celebrate.

The AfDB is honoured to pay well-deserved tribute to his vision and intelligence that enabled South Africa to maintain its socio -political and economic balance. AfDB also salutes his outstanding wisdom which laid the foundation for social and economic transformation of South Africa, the continent's largest economy.