By Ajong Mbapndah & Boris Esono Nwenfor
Premiere Invest, a leading voice in Africa’s investment and policy landscape, is set to attend the 60th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the 51st Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Fund (ADF), engaging in discussions that align with their mission to bridge the gap between policy and capital.
The event, scheduled for May 26–30, 2025, at the Sofitel Hotel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, will bring together more than 6,000 delegates, including African heads of state and government, finance ministers, central bank governors, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society leaders, academics, think tanks and opinion leaders, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
The Meetings will be under the theme: “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.” This strategic theme focuses on identifying and harnessing Africa’s diverse capital resources – human, natural, financial, and commercial – to drive the continent’s structural transformation. The aim is to promote the transition to more inclusive, green, and resilient economies while mobilizing complementary external financing through diversified partnerships.
Discussions will centre on how the continent can better leverage its vast human, natural, financial, and commercial capital to drive structural transformation and foster inclusive, green, and resilient economies.
Premier Invest’s participation underscores its commitment to bridging the gap between public sector policy and private capital, a mission that aligns closely with the AfDB’s goals of fostering economic growth and sustainable development across its 81 member countries.
In a LinkedIn statement, Premier Invest highlighted the summit as a critical platform for advancing its vision. “Premier Invest will be present, engaging in discussions that align with our mission to bridge the gap between policy and capital, ensuring that Africa’s development is driven by coordinated efforts and strategic investments.”
The meetings will feature high-level discussions on mobilizing Africa’s institutional capital, enhancing financial sovereignty, and addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, food security, and infrastructure development. A key highlight of this year’s event will be the election of a new AfDB president, following the conclusion of Dr Akinwumi Adesina’s transformative ten-year tenure.
Premier Invest’s track record in mobilizing private capital for high-impact projects positions it as a vital contributor to the summit’s agenda. By participating in knowledge events and side sessions, Premier Invest aims to share insights on how private-sector partnerships can accelerate progress toward the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which require an estimated $1.3 trillion annually for Africa.
The Annual Meetings will also serve as a platform for Premier Invest to strengthen ties with multilateral development agencies, think tanks, and civil society organizations. With a focus on practical solutions, the organization plans to explore new opportunities for collaboration.
In addition to the statutory meetings of the governors of the Bank and the Fund, the 2025 Meetings will feature knowledge events organized by the Bank and the host country, Cote d’Ivoire. The Annual Meetings enable the Bank Group – consisting of the African Development Bank, the African Development Fund, and the Nigeria Special Fund – to take stock, together with shareholders, of progress made over the past year. They provide a unique forum for exchange by government representatives and other participants, including the media on key issues concerning Africa’s development.
