Adesina is Africa’s development champion — Liberian President, Boakai

Liberian President, Joseph Nyuma Boakai has commended the development strides of the outgoing African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, describing him as “a champion for Africa’s development,” and praising his transformative leadership and legacy at a landmark ceremony held on Tuesday in Monrovia.

Speaking at the official launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB) the first of its kind in Africa, President Boakai declared, “Adesina is not a stranger to Liberia. He has been a trusted partner and a champion for Africa’s development. His work has redefined the role of development finance on our continent.”

According to a news letter by outgoing AfDB President office, Boakai, who addressed a mammoth crowd of dignitaries at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex from all arms of government, diplomats, development partners, and energetic youth representatives, credited Adesina with expanding the AfDB Bank’s capital base from $93 billion in 2015 to $318 billion in 2025, adding emphatically, “That’s not just progress. That’s transformation.”

Honouring Adesina, the Liberian President also lauded the Bank’s ongoing commitment to Liberia. “AfDBs support to Liberia has been tangible,” Boakai said. “We have an active portfolio of 18 projects worth $408 million, these are not just numbers. They are roads, power lines, farms, and services that touch the daily lives of Liberians.”

The centrepiece of the event was the launch of the Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank (YEIB), a trailblazing $16 million initiative funded by the AfDB, designed to equip young Liberians with the tools and capital to lead in agriculture, technology, and the knowledge economy.

“This programme turns young Liberians from job seekers into job creators. It gives hope, mentorship, and financing for ventures, and it aligns perfectly with our ARREST Agenda,” President Boakai declared.

Tagged ARREST Agenda; an acronym for Agriculture, Roads, Rule of Law, Education, Sanitation, and Tourism, YEIB is the cornerstone of Boakai’s national development roadmap.

Speaking via his keynote speech titled ‘Liberia: Arise and Shine’, Adesina reflected on Liberia’s historical significance to the AfDB, recalling that “Liberia is where the dream of the African Development Bank began,” crediting Liberian economist Dr. Romeo Horton for the idea in the 1960s.

“And today,” he said, “we return to that dream; transformed, strengthened, and more determined than ever.”

Detailing the AfDB accomplishments, Adesina highlighted: 177 kilometers of roads completed; 2,400 kilometers of energy transmission lines installed; Electricity access extended to over 39,700 homes and institutions; Capacity-building for more than 100 young professionals.

He went on to state that his message at the event was a wake-up call to African governments and leaders. “Ministers are not small Presidents,” he said bluntly. “They are enablers of the President’s vision. And if they don’t deliver, change the game plan.”

He urged Liberia to take control of its economic destiny: “The export of raw materials is the door to poverty. The export of value-added goods is the highway to wealth,” he declared, met with a thunderous ovation.

Later in his closing remarks, President Boakai echoed the message of transformation and vision: “Liberia must shine for itself, for Africa, and for the black race.”

To further cement the nation’s education agenda, the President dedicated a new model school building as a symbol of Liberia’s commitment to rebuilding its learning infrastructure.

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