Speaking at the African Development Bank's annual meeting in Abidjan, his last as the bank's president, Akinwumi Adesina said that his successor had the important task of ensuring Africa takes full control of its own development agenda in an increasingly uncertain world.
"We must rethink how Africa mobilises capital, retains capital, and how it develops using its own wealth to control and shape its own future," he argued.
He said it was important for the bank's next president, who will be elected today, to possess a strong vision for the continent and to have the determination to see it through, even when beset by challenges or opposition.
"Defending Africa's interests requires unwavering dedication and integrity," he stressed, noting that leaders must be resilient and remain focused in the face of setbacks.
The candidates competing for the presidency include South Africa's Swazi Tshabalala Bajabulile Mauritania's Sidi Ould Tah Senegal's Amadou Hott Zambia's Samuel Maimbo and Chad's Abbas Mahamat Tolli.