OREANDA-NEWS. November 26, 2015. African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina commended the Government of Ethiopia for its macro-economic performance and its support to reduce fragility on the continent. His remarks were delivered on Tuesday, November 24 in Addis Ababa as he concluded a two-day visit in the country to reinforce cooperation with the African Union, the Government of Ethiopia, and other partners. 

Adesina was received by Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn on Tuesday where he discussed strengthening cooperation between Ethiopia and the AfDB. During the meeting, the AfDB President congratulated the Government of Ethiopia on its development efforts that have made the country’s economy one of the most performing of the continent. The Real Growth Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 10.2 in 2014-2015, close to 10.9% annual average growth compared with 2004-2005. Sectors also registered the same upward trend. On average agriculture has grown by 8.0%, industry by 12.9%, and services by 12.9% for the same period. 

The Bank President commended officials for their strong political will and clear vision that aims to make Ethiopia a middle-income country by 2015. He added that the Government’s plan is well in line with AfDB’s transformational agenda, and that his institution stands ready to continue to support the country. Speaking of fragility, AfDB President also appreciated the Government’s role in supporting efforts to restore regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

For his part, Prime Minister Desalegn thanked the Bank for its support to the Government’s efforts. He said that Ethiopia will continue on its path of growth to transform the economy to improve the living conditions of the population. 

Prior to meeting with the Prime Minister, Adesina met with the State Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Ahmed Shide, on November 23. They discussed the Bank’s operations in the country, as well as ways to strengthen cooperation. “We will continue to work together to advance the development of Africa. The African Development Bank is our Bank, and we are committed to making it a stronger Bank in its work of transformation,” Shide said. 

Adesina, responded by saying, “When you go to a place, it is not what you bring that matters most; it is what you take from it. Here in Ethiopia, there is a sense of enthusiasm and dynamism. This is a place where we have to do a lot more to support the Government to serve the Ethiopian people. We commend the Government for its strong political will to realize its vision.” 

AfDB President’s two-day visit began on November 23 with a meeting at the African Union, where he met with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, to discuss how best to strengthen partnerships and co-development. In Addis Ababa, Adesina also seized the opportunity to visit the ‘Light Railway System’, a public transport project that was built to ease traffic congestion in the city.