Yesterday, the Vice President of Botswana and Minister of Finance, Mr. Ndaba N. Gaolathe, officiated at the 60th anniversary celebration of the African Development Bank (AfDB), held in recognition of the institution’s six decades of impactful service to the continent. The AfDB was established in September 1964 and has since played a central role in propelling social and economic transformation across Africa.
In his keynote address, Vice President Gaolathe applauded the Bank’s ongoing leadership and vision, particularly its groundbreaking initiative to forge a unified African strategy for critical minerals. He also commended the Bank’s bold proposal for a Critical Minerals-Backed African Currency, a move he described as forward-thinking and empowering for the continent.
“The call by the Bank is clear,” Mr. Gaolathe emphasized, “Africa must be the custodians of its resources, authors of its policies, and the protectors of its future.”
Mr. Gaolathe highlighted that Africa’s development and prosperity should be driven by self-determination, policy ownership, and sustainable exploitation of its natural wealth.
Also speaking at the celebration, AfDB Deputy Director General for Southern Africa and Country Manager for Botswana, Ms. Moono Mupotola, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting Botswana’s national priorities. These include economic diversification, job creation, promotion of manufacturing and value addition industries, enhancement of international and regional trade, and modernization of agriculture to strengthen food security.
Ms. Mupotola noted that the AfDB will continue to work in close partnership with Botswana and other African nations to ensure that the next decades bring about even more inclusive and transformative growth.
The event marked not only a milestone in the AfDB’s history but also a renewed commitment to the continent’s vision for economic independence and sustainable development.
