The African Development Bank (AfDB) says Africa's integration is vital in eliminating challenges such as under-nutrition and the unfavourable climatic conditions which have negatively affected the welfare of the people.
AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina said the Bank was working hard to contribute towards integrating Africa so that her people can collectively address issues of climate change, energy supply and nutrition.
Adesina made the comments on arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka on Sunday, May 22, ahead of the AfDB Annual Meeting which commenced Monday.
The five-day event slated for Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka will be held under the theme "Energy and Climate Change".
It will be officially opened by Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Tuesday.
Adesina said he was aware of the negative effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon on Zambia thus the meeting's focus on drought among other issues was critical to the nation.
"AfDB has put in a lot of work in preparing this event which will be graced by nine visiting heads of State.
"The event will focus on matters to deal with climate change, energy; how we can light and power up Africa and nutrition which is critical to the well-being of all of us," said Adesina, who was received by Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba.
He said the nine heads of State coming to the event have affirmed support to President Lungu and Zambia that Africa wanted the AfDB Annual Meeting in Lusaka to be a resounding success.
"I am certainly delighted to be here and I wish thank President Edgar Lungu for the fabulous reception that he has accorded all the AfDB staff here.
"This Annual Meeting will also attract participation from several members of the civil society and so; all the focus will be on Zambia over the next few days," he said.
