A delegation from Congo-Brazzaville met with Ivorian officials in Abidjan on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to gather insights and best practices for hosting the 2026 Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group.
The Congolese delegation’s visit aimed to draw inspiration from Côte d’Ivoire’s experience in organizing the upcoming 2025 AfDB Annual Meetings, as Congo-Brazzaville prepares to host the prestigious event the following year.
The meeting was chaired by Dr. Yeo Nahoua, Chief of Staff to Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Economy and Planning, Niale Kaba, and formed part of the third preparatory mission, a crucial step in the statutory process for organizing the AfDB’s annual gatherings.
Dr. Yeo Nahoua emphasized the need for strong collaboration and transparency to ensure the success of the Congolese delegation’s immersion mission. He stated, “It is important that all stakeholders are fully mobilized to provide useful information and share some best practices.”
Mr. Andre Basse, Head of the AfDB Group’s delegation, commended Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment and highlighted the “interactivity and professionalism” demonstrated during both the formal statutory meetings and the regular monthly coordination sessions.
He also acknowledged the significant progress already made by Côte d’Ivoire in ensuring the success of the 2025 event, while offering his encouragement to the Congolese delegation as they undertake their preparatory mission for the 2026 AfDB Annual Meetings.
Mr. Ibongo Diarrah, Advisor to the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration of Congo and head of the Congolese delegation, explained the purpose of their visit. “We came to immerse ourselves in the Ivorian experience to best prepare for the 2026 Annual Meetings. We welcome any best practices and tools you agree to share,” he said.
Discussions during the meeting focused on several key logistical and organizational aspects, including the validation of the master plan, the review of minutes from previous meetings, the due diligence matrix, and planned activities for the spouses of heads of state attending the event.
The 25th edition of the AfDB Annual Meetings is scheduled to take place in Abidjan from May 25 to 30, 2025. This major event will notably feature the election of the new AfDB President, who will succeed Akinwumi Adesina as he concludes his ten-year tenure at the helm of the pan-African financial institution.
AP/Sf/fss/abj/APA