AfDB: Sierra Leonean President Pledges Support For Akinwumi Adesina

Embattled President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, has been reassured by the President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, of his support, amid claims that Adesina was involved corruption.

Bio is one among many other African leaders that have voiced their support for the president of the AfDB.

Adesina is accused of perpetrating corrupt practices within the bank by the United States Department of Treasury, calling for an independent probe into the charges.

But in a tweet, the Sierra Leonean President said, “Be assured of my and country’s staunch, conference and unflinching support for your bold and progressive leadership of AfDB."

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Also pledging his support is the first United States Representative to the African Development Bank (AfDB), Harold Doley, who has also called on the Trump administration to throw its weight behind Adesina.

In a letter, as seen by TheCable, to US President Donald Trump, Doley delineated the impact of the effective strategies employed by Adesina at the bank on Africans.

He said in the letter: “In 2019, with US support, the AfDB stakeholders approved a general capital increase of 115 billion dollars, the largest in the bank’s 56 years history. The increase more than doubled capital from 93 billion dollars to 208 billion dollars.

“Also in 2019, the bank’s concessional window, the African Development Fund, received a 35 percent replenishment with donor contributions.

“US shares of $499,695,200 represents 7.81 percent of total subscriptions are a critically needed resource for low-income countries and transition states.

“Ultimately, supporting Africa’s private sector is critical for social and economic development. In 2018, Adesina led an unprecedented effort to attract global investment into Africa through the inaugural Africa Investment Forum.”