The President of the African Development Bank, AFDB, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina has said that fair access to COVID-19 vaccines for Africans, as well as debt relief, would help to drive the African economies to the path of faster recovery from the pandemic.
He made this disclosure while speaking at a virtual event held in his honour as the outgoing African of the Year of African Leadership Magazine.
Adesina bared his thoughts on the harsh economic conditions existing in most African countries, but expressed optimism that ‘ there is light at the end of the tunnel’ , noting, however, that’ it just happens to be a very long tunnel’.
“ I am very positive that African economies will bounce back over the next two years, but the speed of recovery will depend on ensuring that Africa gets enough vaccines for its population. The world must not short-change Africa on access to vaccines
“To recover faster, Africa will need significant debt forgiveness from bilateral and official creditors.
“While developed countries have been spending trillions of dollars for fiscal stimulus, Africa does not have such resources. The payment for vaccines is already adding to the already high debt burden.
“Together, we will create new opportunities for African youth and trigger a youth-based wealth system for Africa. Together, we will ensure that we deliver financing for African women.
“Together, we will support Africa to build world-class, quality healthcare infrastructure, while ensuring also that the continent builds its pharmaceutical and vaccine industrial production.”
African Leadership Magazine Chairman, Ken Giami, said, “African Development Bank had scored some outstanding achievements in 2020 under President Adesina and had “infected” Africa with optimism”adding that the magazine was very proud of the President’s contribution as he has raised the performance bar for future African of the Year winners. Gumi further pointed out that Adesina’s award was indeed a call for greater service to the people, especially at a time when Africa needed true leadership.”