Joseph Isangura
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), arrived today in Tanzania for a four-day official visit.
He landed at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, where he was welcomed by Tanzania’s Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Hussein Bashe, and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Hon. Denis Londo.
The visit, running from June 12 to 15, 2025, is focused on strengthening the strategic relationship between the AfDB and Tanzania. Dr. Adesina is scheduled to hold high-level talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan about ongoing and upcoming Bank-funded projects across the country.
On June 13, Dr. Adesina will receive an honorary doctorate from the University of Dar es Salaam, recognizing his significant contributions to Africa’s development. The following day, he will take part in the inauguration of the new Msalato International Airport near Dodoma and the opening of the Dodoma outer ring road — two key infrastructure projects financed by the AfDB.
Throughout his stay, Dr. Adesina will also inspect transport and logistics projects supported by the Bank. Tanzania’s current active transport portfolio with AfDB totals approximately $2.41 billion, covering roads, railways, and aviation infrastructure aimed at boosting connectivity and economic growth.
Supporting Tanzania’s Infrastructure Growth
The AfDB has invested heavily in Tanzania’s transport sector, dedicating around 66% of its portfolio to this area. The Msalato International Airport, supported by a $272 million loan that includes significant AfDB funding, is close to completion. It is expected to handle large aircraft and improve regional connectivity in East Africa. The runways were finished in April, and the terminal buildings are projected to be completed by July 2025.
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The Dodoma outer ring road forms part of the larger Central Corridor and the Trans-African Highway network, which will help reduce congestion in Dodoma, Tanzania’s fast-growing capital, and enhance trade logistics in the region.
As Africa’s premier development finance institution, the AfDB is eager to deepen its partnership with Tanzania, supporting transformative infrastructure projects that will accelerate the country’s development. Dr. Adesina’s visit also comes as he prepares to hand over leadership to Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania in September 2025.
Regional and Economic Impact
The airport and ring road projects are expected to improve connectivity across East Africa, supporting Tanzania’s goal of becoming a regional trade and transport hub. The honorary doctorate awarded to Dr. Adesina reflects the strong cooperation and respect between the AfDB and Tanzania’s institutions.
With a transport portfolio worth billions, the AfDB demonstrates confidence in Tanzania’s growth prospects and its importance in Africa’s broader development agenda.
Dr. Adesina’s visit not only highlights key milestones in AfDB-Tanzania relations but also emphasizes the Bank’s commitment to infrastructure-led transformation across the continent.
