This archive report was first published on 5 June 2020.
On June 4, 2020, the Africa Union threw its weight behind embattled Africa Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina amidst claims of procurement and recruitment violations at the institution.
Adesina's leadership has yielded commendable results, including raising capital from USD 98 billion to USD 208 billion in 2020, according to Raila Odinga, the Africa Union high representative for infrastructure development in the continent.
However, the United States, AfDB's second-largest shareholder, has demanded a new independent probe into the allegations, rejecting the bank's investigation over reservations about the integrity of the bank's process.
Despite the allegations, top shareholder Nigeria has voiced its support for Adesina, and Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has given his backing to Adesina in his bid for a second term as AfDB president.
The African Development Bank's (AfDB) Board has agreed to authorise an independent review of the investigation, which will be conducted by a neutral high-caliber individual with unquestionable experience, high international reputation, and integrity.
The review will take no more than four weeks and will not interfere with the bank's electoral calendar.
