Editor's Review

The event kicked off on Monday, May 27, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.

Over 10 African presidents are in the country for the 59th African Development Bank Group (AFDB) Annual Meetings.

The event, which has also attracted a number of prominent leaders from Africa, kicked off on Monday, May 27, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Nairobi.

Among the African Heads of State attending the event are President William Ruto, Denis Sassou Nguesso (Republic of Congo), Paul Kagame (Rwanda), Emmerson Mnangagwa (Zimbabwe), Mohamed al-Menfi (Libya) and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somalia). 

Guinea-Bissau president Umaro Sissoco Embaló and his Mozambique counterpart Filipe Jacinto Nyusi sent representatives to the event. 

Other prominent leaders in attendance are African Union Commission president Moussa Faki, Burundi Vice President Prosper Bazombanza, Namibia Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa, Niger Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine, Kinwumi Adesina (President of the African Development Bank), former Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete and former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano.

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AUC president Moussa Faki.

Representatives of bilateral and multilateral development agencies, leading academics and non-governmental organisations, civil society, and the private sector are also attending the conference.

According to AFDB, at least 13 African heads of state and government were expected to grace the event.

AFDB disclosed that the annual meetings provide an opportunity for reflection on the bank’s commitment to accomplishing its mission of developing the African continent and improving the lives of its people.

On the agenda will be the lack of climate finance for African priorities and the high cost of capital to invest in sustainable infrastructure for green growth.

AFDB further disclosed that the meetings provide a forum for Bank Group Governors to share their experiences with managing a mounting burden of public debt.

Speaking during the event, President Ruto stated that it was an honour for Kenya to host the meeting, especially during AFDB's 60th anniversary.

"It is a great honour for Kenya to host the 59th meeting of the AFDB especially as the Group celebrates its 60th anniversary. I have requested the AFDB to offer Kenya the 90th anniversary in 2054 and I promise that even if I will be walking with a walking stick I will attend," President Ruto remarked.

The event will conclude on Friday, May 31.