Gandhinagar: On the final day of the 52nd AfDB Annual Meetings, Mr. Akinwumi Adesina the current President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), held a press conference, to discuss the proceedings of the event. Talking to members of both the national and international media, Mr. Adesina thanked India for the arrangement of the AfDB meetings. Mr. Adesina stated that it was Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who launched the India-Africa Partnership, and was grateful that it was the Prime Minister Modi, who formally opened the 52nd AfDB Annual Meetings.

Speaking about Gujarat which hosted the event, Mr. Adesina spoke in glowing terms about its dynamic economy, and how it is responsible for processing 90% of the world’s diamonds, its prosperous agriculture production and it’s highly developed medical facilities. He in particular praised the incredible hospitality shown by Gujarat and stated that the people of this state have business in their blood. He also took the opportunity to thank Chief Minister Shri Vijay Rupani for the work done by him and his team to organize the event. He stated that not only did they meet their expectations, but they proceeded to exceed them. Adesina said ‘Thak you Gujarat’ thrice for being a great host beyond expectations. Adesina praised Gujarati food so much and in lighter note added that he would tell his wife to learn cooking Gujarati food items.

Mr. Adesina talked about how during conversations with PM Modi, the Prime Minister advised him to “be the change you want to see”. And this was evident to him as PM Modi has good ideas for the development of India and is pragmatic man. He also talked about deepening India-Africa cooperation and stated that together India and Africa could do impossible things.

Speaking on the future of growth of Africa, Mr. Adesina talked about how the private sector would become the engine of growth for development in the continent. Furthermore, while talking about the role of women in the economy of Africa, the President of AfDB stated that no bird can fly with one wing, and for any of Africa’s country’s to develop, the equal involvement of men and women in the near future would be necessary for Africa to develop.

DeshGujarat