The Government of Tanzania honoured Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), recognising him as “a visionary leader and a tireless son of Africa” who has dedicated his life to transforming the continent. President Samia Suluhu Hassan praised Dr. Adesina’s significant role in the development of Tanzania’s economy, particularly highlighting large-scale infrastructure projects financed by the Bank.
During a two-day visit to Tanzania, Dr. Adesina was invited to tour several Bank-financed infrastructure projects that are transforming the country’s economy and strengthening its regional and international roles. These projects include a new international airport and a major highway encircling the administrative capital of Dodoma. President Suluhu Hassan also highlighted projects in other sectors, such as agriculture and energy, that are financed by the Bank. She mentioned the construction of a modern Standard Gauge Railway line linking Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Since the AfDB began operations in Tanzania in 1971, it has invested $9 billion in the country. Under Dr. Adesina’s leadership, total financial support over the last 10 years stands at $4.73 billion, accounting for 53% of the Bank’s lending to Tanzania over the past 54 years. President Suluhu Hassan expressed gratitude on behalf of the people of Tanzania, stating, “The African Development Bank has been a dependable partner in our country’s development journey.”
In recognition of Dr. Adesina’s contributions, President Suluhu Hassan announced the renaming of the Dodoma Outer Ring Road to “Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Road.” The 112-kilometre dual carriageway is a strategic link in the Cape to Cairo continental corridor, aimed at decongesting Dodoma and enhancing regional connectivity. The Bank provided $138 million in funding for the project, with additional contributions from the Africa Growing Together Fund and the Government of Tanzania.
Earlier, on June 13, Dr. Adesina was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Dar es Salaam. The citation highlighted his leadership and lifelong dedication to public service, evidence-based policymaking, and pan-African progress. The honorary degree was conferred by the Chancellor of the University, former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who commended the AfDB for being a major anchor in Tanzania’s development sector. Addressing the graduating class, Dr. Adesina spoke of his humble beginnings, emphasising resilience, character, and unity.
Following the ceremony, Dr. Adesina, accompanied by former President Kikwete and Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, travelled by Standard Gauge Railway from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. The AfDB has established a syndication strategy to mobilise $1.2 billion for the extension of the electrified Standard Gauge Railway, which will connect Tanzania to Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project financing includes contributions from the Bank’s concessional financing window, the African Development Fund, and the Government of Tanzania.
Accompanied by President Suluhu Hassan, Dr. Adesina visited the Bank-funded Msalato International Airport, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. The state-of-the-art airport features a 3.6-kilometre landing strip, one of the longest in East Africa, with a capacity to accommodate Airbus A380 aircraft. The AfDB has provided over $198 million to finance the Msalato International Airport project, with additional contributions from the African Development Fund and the African Grow Together Fund.
Dr. Adesina’s visit to Tanzania underscores the AfDB’s commitment to supporting transformative infrastructure projects that contribute to the economic development of African nations. His leadership continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s development trajectory.
