Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), has called on African governments to adopt strategic policies that could position the continent as a vital player in global supply chains, particularly in the critical minerals sector which is gaining prominence in the global economy.
She delivered this message yesterday in Abidjan during her goodwill address at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group.
Emphasising the need for bold and visionary action, Okonjo-Iweala urged African leaders to capitalise on emerging trade opportunities like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and push for industrialisation, job creation, and energy access..
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She argued that such actions are essential to achieving sustainable development and curbing irregular migration caused by economic despair.
She stated, “Africa must move swiftly to eliminate hunger, tackle energy poverty, and provide jobs for its growing youth population. If we can realise the AfDB’s ‘High 5s’ agenda, we’ll be much closer to achieving Agenda 2063. It is within reach.”
The WTO chief also underscored the importance of African ownership in driving development, saying while international support remains relevant, declining aid flows mean African nations must increasingly look inward and partner with the private sector.
She expressed optimism about the continent’s potential to attract foreign investment, citing the WTO’s Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement as a tool to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and draw in private capital.
According to her, 127 WTO member states, including 33 African countries, have already signed the agreement.
“This agreement aligns perfectly with initiatives like the Africa Investment Forum. It’s a platform that supports Africa’s push to attract supply chain and value-added investments,” she added.
The 70-year-old also congratulated AfDB’s outgoing President, Akinwumi Adesina, for his leadership and the Bank’s efforts in this regard.
However, Adesina reflected on his decade-long tenure, describing his two terms as the greatest honour of his life.
“This is my final Annual Meeting as President of the African Development Bank. Together, we have tackled Africa’s opportunities and challenges as one – like hands around the Baobab tree,” Adesina said, praising the teamwork and support he received from Bank Governors, Board Members, and staff.
He offered heartfelt congratulations to the incoming President, Sidi Ould Tah, and voiced full confidence in his ability to lead the institution into its next phase.
“We achieved exceptional results together and transformed the Bank’s impact across the continent. Now, unity must remain our guiding principle. Africa’s strength lies in our shared purpose, despite any differences,” he said.
President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga, also paid tribute to Adesina, praising his visionary leadership and the renewed partnership between the two multilateral institutions.
Banga described their cooperation as one grounded in mutual respect and common goals, especially the joint commitment to expand electricity access to 300 million Africans.
“This collaboration is a powerful example of how development institutions can act in unison, play to their strengths, and focus on outcomes that matter,” Banga noted.
He urged all stakeholders to translate policies into visible results that improve lives and create jobs.
“Dr Adesina, thank you for your inspiring leadership and deep commitment to Africa’s progress. It’s been a privilege working alongside you,” he added.
Furthermore, Nigeria government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the AfDB under the incoming leadership of Dr Sidi Ould Tah.
This assurance came during a courtesy visit by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who met with Dr Tah on the sidelines of the Annual Meetings in Abidjan.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, Edun conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s congratulations and reiterated Nigeria’s confidence in Dr Tah’s leadership.
The Minister noted that Tah’s election was the result of broad-based consensus across the continent, with Nigeria playing a crucial role in building unity among African shareholders.
“We welcome Dr Tah’s focus on delivering results and look forward to working together to drive national development and foster prosperity across the continent,” the statement read.
Nigeria pledged to partner closely with the AfDB to advance inclusive growth, deepen investment opportunities, and contribute to a shared vision for Africa’s economic transformation.
