Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), and Hassatou Diop N’Sele, Vice President for Finance, have been recognized among the 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 by New African Magazine.
Adesina, widely recognized for his visionary leadership, has overseen a significant transformation of the AfDB during his tenure, expanding the bank’s capital base from $93 billion to $318 billion. He has been a driving force in advancing Africa’s development across sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and economic growth.
N’Sele has been instrumental in pioneering innovative financing mechanisms, including the successful issuance of a $750 million hybrid bond, a groundbreaking achievement in climate finance. This innovative instrument, oversubscribed by $6 billion, demonstrates the AfDB’s commitment to leveraging private capital to support large-scale development projects.
“This recognition highlights the collective efforts of our institution to transform lives across Africa,” said Dr. Adesina.
N’Sele expressed pride in her team’s contributions and emphasized the importance of sustainable financial tools in scaling up development funding.
The New African Magazine’s list, considered a definitive reference for African excellence, celebrates leaders across various sectors, including politics, business, arts, and science. Other notable figures on the 2024 list include King Mohammed VI of Morocco, Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote, and actor Idris Elba.
Editor Anver Versi praised the list for showcasing Africa’s resilience and ingenuity, noting its significance in promoting unity amid global challenges.
This recognition further solidifies the AfDB’s position as a leading force in African development and underscores the significant contributions of its leadership in advancing economic growth and improving the lives of people across the continent.
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