From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Tanzanian government and one of its oldest universities have honoured the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, with an honorary doctorate and a major road naming for his developmental strides in the banking sector.
The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), Tanzania’s oldest and most prestigious university, conferred a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) degree on Dr Adesina during its 55th Graduation Ceremony (Cluster 1), held on Friday, June 13, 2025. The award celebrates Dr Adesina’s transformative impact on the continent’s socio-economic landscape and his unwavering support for Tanzania’s national development agenda.
Presenting the honorary degree, UDSM Chancellor and former Tanzanian President, Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, hailed Dr Adesina’s enduring legacy, noting that Tanzania had proudly supported his candidacy as AfDB President from the onset.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Adesina expressed deep gratitude to the university and reaffirmed his close ties to the Tanzanian people.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this honorary doctorate from Tanzania’s most prestigious university. I thank the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, University Council, faculty, and staff for this incredible recognition,” he said.
Addressing the graduating Class of 2025, he issued a powerful call to action: “You are the game-changers. Today, you graduate not just with knowledge—but with the freedom to lead, to innovate, and to transform your communities and the world.”
He also highlighted the AfDB’s critical support to Tanzania under his leadership, noting that the Bank had provided over $4.73 billion in development financing, more than half of all its cumulative commitments to the country since 1971.
Just a day after the honorary degree, Tanzania’s President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, took the recognition further by officially naming the soon-to-be-completed Dodoma Outer Ring Road after Dr Adesina.
During a tour of the 112.3-kilometre highway on Saturday, June 14, 2025, the President described the gesture as a tribute to the AfDB President’s leadership and the Bank’s “unwavering support” for Tanzania’s infrastructure drive.
“As he nears the end of his term, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for his support to our country,” said President Samia, addressing a public rally in Mtumba, the administrative heart of Dodoma.
“To honour his contribution, and that of the African Development Bank in strengthening our transport sector, I have approved the Minister of Works’ proposal to name the Dodoma Outer Ring Road after him.”
She then made it official: “So, I now declare that the Dodoma Outer Ring Road shall be called Dr Akinwumi Adesina Road.”
President Samia was joined on the inspection tour by Dr Adesina, his wife, senior Tanzanian officials, and former President Kikwete.
The Dodoma Outer Ring Road, now Dr Akinwumi Adesina Road, is among several transformative projects supported by the AfDB across Tanzania. It is poised to enhance domestic and regional trade, decongest urban traffic, and drive economic growth.
The President and Dr Adesina also visited the site of Msalato International Airport, a key transport hub under construction with AfDB funding. Once operational, the airport will connect directly to the newly named highway, cementing the legacy of AfDB’s support in building integrated, future-ready infrastructure.
Dr Adesina, who was elected AfDB President in 2015 and re-elected in 2020, has become a towering figure in Africa’s development arena.
Under his leadership, the Bank has expanded access to electricity, supported agriculture, built roads and railways, and helped economies recover from shocks, anchored on the High 5s agenda: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
As his tenure nears its close, Tanzania’s twin honours—academic and civic—stand as symbolic bookmarks in a career defined by results, vision, and profound service to the continent.
“This honour is not just for me,” Dr Adesina said. “It is for all those who believe in Africa’s potential, who work every day to build a better, more inclusive future. Tanzania, I thank you from the depths of my heart.”