African Development Bank Celebrates 60th Anniversary in Abidjan

Abidjan, September 9, 2024 - The African Development Bank (AfDB) marked its 60th anniversary with a special celebration in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where the institution was founded. AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina delivered a heartfelt address reflecting on the Bank's humble beginnings and its remarkable growth over the past six decades.

"Sixty years ago, the African Development Bank first opened its doors here in Abidjan. Those were the days of very humble beginnings when the Bank had very few staff," President Adesina noted. He recalled that when the Bank began its lending operations in 1966, it had only ten staff members. By 1970, that number had increased tenfold, reaching 110 staff members.

Today, the African Development Bank boasts over 2,000 staff members, spread across offices in 41 African countries, underscoring its significant evolution since its inception.

The Bank's 60th anniversary celebrations serve as a moment of reflection on its accomplishments in advancing the continent's development agenda, focusing on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and sustainable growth across Africa.

The AfDB's leadership continues to commit to fostering development and economic transformation across the African continent, addressing challenges such as poverty reduction, climate change, and economic inequality.

MC