Economic Affairs Minister Participates in Opening of AfDB Annual Meetings, ADF 52nd Session
On May 26 in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, Mr. Abdallahi Souleymane Cheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, participated in the official opening ceremony of the 61st Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the 52nd session of the African Development Fund (ADF) for the year […]
Black News 
On May 26 in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, Mr. Abdallahi Souleymane Cheikh Sidiya, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, participated in the official opening ceremony of the 61st Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group and the 52nd session of the African Development Fund (ADF) for the year 2026.
The opening ceremony was held under the high patronage of Mr. Denis Sassou Nguesso, President of the Republic of the Congo, with broad participation from African leaders and representatives, including the presidents of Gabon and the Central African Republic, former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou, as well as the Vice President of the African Union, in addition to finance and economy ministers and central bank governors representing 81 member states.
In his address, the Congolese president welcomed the participating delegations, expressing his country’s pride in hosting these meetings and praising the role played by Sidi Ould Tah at the head of the AfDB.
He also expressed confidence that the outcomes of this session would help strengthen the Bank’s financing capacity to support development efforts across the African continent, in line with this year’s theme: “Mobilizing resources at scale to finance Africa’s development in a globally fragmented world.”
For his part, Mr. Sidi Ould Tah highlighted prospects for developing regional partnerships and promoting economic development in Africa, stressing that the continent possesses significant strengths owing to its human and natural resources.
He also praised the historic decision by the Congolese president to abolish entry visas for all African citizens starting next January, calling it a strong boost for economic integration and for strengthening the values of solidarity and continental unity promoted by the African Union.
The opening ceremony also featured the presentation of the African Economic Outlook report and a high-level presidential workshop. The session further includes organizational meetings, roundtables, and specialized activities dedicated to development financing mechanisms, investment promotion, and economic growth across the African continent.
