February 8, 2025
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Transformation through the “High 5s” of Akinwumi Adesina

The African Development Bank (AfDB), under the leadership of Akinwumi Adesina, has been promoting an ambitious strategy aimed at transforming the African continent. Known as the “High 5s,” Adesina’s vision is clear: light up, feed, industrialize, integrate, and improve the quality of life in Africa. These strategic pillars are designed to tackle the continent’s greatest structural challenges and leverage inclusive economic growth. But how can these priorities truly make a difference, and what are the expected impacts?

As cinco prioridades estratégicas – os High 5 | Banco Africano de  Desenvolvimento

Currently, 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity. This reality not only hampers economic growth but also limits critical sectors like health and education. Through the AfDB, Adesina plans to expand access to electricity t 210 million people by 2030, focusing on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The potential is vast: a 2% annual increase in GDP for several African countries can be achieved, along with the creation of 7 million direct and indirect jobs in the energy sector. Electrification is undoubtedly the foundation upon which other industries, such as manufacturing and services, can flourish.

As cinco prioridades estratégicas – os High 5 | Banco Africano de  Desenvolvimento

Agriculture, which should be one of the continent’s strongest assets, has been underutilized. Despite Africa possessing 60% of the world’s uncultivated arable land, the continent still spends $35 billion annually on food imports. Adesina seeks to change this, with the AfDB’s goal to turn Africa into a global food powerhouse. The bank aims to boost agricultural productivity and reduce food imports by $15 billion by 2025, which would result in significant savings and create 83 million agricultural jobs. Not only will this ensure food security, but it will also enable Africa to become a major exporter, bolstering local economies and generating income for millions of farmers.

Despite being home to abundant natural resources, Africa accounts for only 2% of global trade in manufactured goods. To change this, Adesina advocates for industrialization as a core pillar of his vision. The AfDB is investing in special economic zones and encouraging public-private partnerships to stimulate manufacturing and add value to Africa’s natural resources. The goal is to increase the industry’s share of Africa’s GDP from 11% in 2020 to 20% by 2030. Industrialization could create 14 million jobs in the manufacturing sector and enhance the continent’s global competitiveness. This will allow Africa to position itself not just as an exporter of raw materials, but as a producer of high-value manufactured goods.

BAD: 60 Anos A Fazer A Diferença Em África - Mais Afrika

With 54 countries and intra-African trade accounting for only 15%, the continent urgently needs regional integration. Adesina, with the support of the AfDB, is promoting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which aims to increase trade between African nations and facilitate the mobility of goods, services, and people. Intra-African trade could rise to 50% by 2040, generating a $450 billion boost to GDP by 2035. Additionally, the development of transport and telecommunications infrastructure will better connect African markets, enabling countries to cooperate and mutually benefit. 

With a population expected to reach 2.5 billion people by 2050, ensuring a better quality of life for Africans is vital. The AfDB is focusing on improving access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and sanitation. Adesina’s vision includes providing education to 130 million out-of-school girls and improving healthcare systems across the continent. Investing in human capital will result in a more skilled and productive workforce, directly impacting sustainable economic growth. Furthermore, life expectancy could increase by 10 years over the next two decades due to improvements in healthcare and living conditions.

Press Releases | Page 48 | Banco Africano de Desenvolvimento

The figures behind the AfDB’s initiatives are ambitious, yet they highlight a clear path for transformation:

  • 210 million people will gain access to electricity by 2030.
  • Reducing food imports could save $40 billion by 2025.
  • Industrialization could boost the industry’s contribution to GDP to 20% by 2030, creating 14 million jobs.
  • Intra-African trade could rise to 50% by 2040, adding $450 billion to GDP.
  • Access to basic services could extend life expectancy by 10 years in the coming decades.

Akinwumi Adesina’s vision for Africa, through the AfDB’s five strategic priorities, is to transform the continent into a global powerhouse by leveraging its abundant resources and youthful population. The implementation of these strategies will be crucial for job creation, productivity growth, and improved living standards across the continent. By lighting up, feeding, industrializing, and integrating Africa, Adesina is paving the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

This vision, built on tangible goals and strategic investments, positions Africa not just as a developing region, but as an emerging force in the global economy.

 

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