ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, September 20, 2025 – African Development Bank Group President Sidi Ould Tah pays courtesy visit to President Alassane Ouattara, reinforcing the cordial partnership between the institution and its host country.
The meeting emphasized Côte d’Ivoire’s critical role as both a founding member and long-standing partner of the Bank, which has been headquartered in Abidjan since 1965.
President Sidi Ould Tah, who was elected in May as the ninth president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), expressed gratitude to President Ouattara for his unwavering support during the election process and for the warm welcome received upon his assumption of office.
Strengthening AfDB-Côte d’Ivoire Relations
Speaking after the meeting, President Ould Tah noted:
“It was an honour for me to pay a courtesy visit to His Excellency President Alassane Ouattara to thank him for his support during the election for the Bank’s leadership and for the warm welcome I received upon my arrival in Côte d’Ivoire to take up my duties as president of the African Development Bank.”
According to Ould Tah, discussions with President Ouattara reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to the Bank’s mission, including the construction of its new headquarters in Abidjan.
He highlighted the Bank’s growing portfolio in Côte d’Ivoire, which has expanded across key development sectors.
Expanding Development Portfolio
African Development Bank Group President Sidi Ould Tah pays courtesy visit to President Alassane Ouattara at a time when the Bank’s investment in Côte d’Ivoire has reached record levels.
Financing has increased from $460 million in 2015 to $3.1 billion in 2023, covering projects in transport, energy, agriculture, health, and social services.
Through these projects, the Bank has supported agricultural infrastructure, cross-border connectivity, and regional integration initiatives that strengthen economic resilience in West Africa.
Mobilising Resources for Africa’s Development
During the press briefing following the visit, Ould Tah addressed questions on co-financing development projects with pension funds.
He stressed the importance of mobilising domestic financial resources within Africa, especially in a global context marked by limited capital flows.
“In today’s constrained financial environment, it is crucial to mobilise all available resources on the continent to address our challenges,” Ould Tah noted.
His remarks underline the Bank’s strategic focus on innovative financing mechanisms to meet Africa’s growing development needs.
Longstanding Partnership
The visit symbolises the long and productive relationship between Côte d’Ivoire and the African Development Bank.
Since its establishment in 1965, the Bank has maintained a strong operational presence in the country.
The ongoing partnership with President Ouattara’s administration has been pivotal in advancing the Bank’s development agenda and expanding its impact in West Africa.
During his inauguration earlier in September, President Ould Tah paid tribute to President Ouattara, acknowledging his “crucial role and valuable support” during the election process.
The courtesy visit further consolidated this message of mutual respect and collaboration.
Looking Ahead
African Development Bank Group President Sidi Ould Tah pays courtesy visit to President Alassane Ouattara not only to express appreciation but also to chart the course for deeper cooperation in years ahead.
With a strengthened development portfolio and renewed political support, the AfDB is poised to enhance its impact in Côte d’Ivoire and across the continent.
About the African Development Bank Group (AfDB):
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution, comprising the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the Nigeria Trust Fund.
With operations in 34 African countries and an external office in Japan, the Bank drives sustainable economic development and social progress across its 54 regional member states.
Media Contact:
Amadou Mansour Diouf
Communications and External Relations Department
African Development Bank Group
Email: [email protected]
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
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