AfDB's Return to Headquarters - President's Office and Board of Directors to Be in Abidjan By End of June 2014

16 January 2014
Content from a Premium Partner
African Development Bank (Abidjan)
press release

The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, Donald Kaberuka, was in Abidjan from January 10 to 14, at the invitation of the Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. The occasion coincided with the official visit to Côte d'Ivoire of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Kaberuka participated in the high-level meeting between the head of the Japanese Government and the heads of state of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). This meeting, the second in less than a year, allowed both parties to reflect on the partnership between Japan and the AfDB.

The dialogue was an opportunity to remember the various commitments made by both sides in June 2013. On that occasion, the Japanese Prime Minister had promised financial support from Japan for AfDB projects and programs to facilitate inclusive growth. For his part, Donald Kaberuka had welcomed the willingness of Japan to fund Africa's +development, especially through the country's support for regional integration, the private sector and fragile states.

During an audience with President Ouattara, Kaberuka reaffirmed the willingness of the AfDB to support the country's economic relaunch. On the subject of the return of the AfDB to its Côte d'Ivoire headquarters, he indicated that the President's Office and Board of Directors would be in Abidjan before the end of the second quarter of 2014.

Kaberuka discussed the practicalities of the AfDB return with Albert Toikeusse Mabri, Minister of State, Planning and Development and AfDB Governor. It was an opportunity for Mabri to welcome the commitment of the AfDB President to making the return a success. Another point discussed: marking the 50th anniversary of the AfDB. Celebrations will be held throughout 2014 in various member states, culminating with a huge celebration planned for November 2014 in Abidjan.

In terms of funding for programs and projects for the coming years in Côte d'Ivoire, emphasis will be on infrastructure, regional integration and trade. In addition, two studies on the Abidjan-Lagos highway (Phase 1 and Phase 2) and the Côte d'Ivoire-Burkina Faso highway are being planned. Kaberuka also laid emphasis on the actions necessary with regard to the Mano River Union countries. Those countries are considered fragile as they are emerging from socio-political crises.

Read the original article on African Development Bank (AfDB).

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