Outgoing African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has charged Africa’s legal community to put the rule of law at the heart of governance and development. Speaking at the Kenya Law Society’s 2025 Annual Conference in Diani, Mombasa, Adesina told over 1,200 lawyers, judges, and officials that prosperity in Africa cannot thrive without strong institutions and transparency.
He stressed that Africa’s real wealth is not only in oil, gas, or minerals but in how effectively these resources are managed. According to him, enforcing contracts fairly, fighting corruption, and ensuring justice for all are the true drivers of lasting growth. “When Africa stands for the rule of law, the world will stand with Africa,” he declared.
Adesina also highlighted Africa’s $100bn foreign investment gap, worsened by poor governance and weak legal systems. He warned against predatory practices by so-called vulture funds that exploit fragile courts to demand inflated debt repayments. To attract investors, he said, Africa must strengthen judicial independence, build trust, and protect intellectual property.
He rolled out reforms for nations to consider — from sovereign wealth funds for future generations to arbitration systems that resolve disputes locally. He urged lawyers and judges to rise as “guardians of promise and stewards of destiny,” ensuring laws protect communities, not exploit them.
The three-day conference drew dignitaries including Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome and AfDB officials. Examples of progress were cited: Rwanda and Côte d’Ivoire’s commercial courts slashing case times, Seychelles cutting debt through legal reforms, and Kenya boosting transparency in procurement.
Adesina, fondly known as Africa’s “Optimist-in-Chief,” closed with a historic call: “Justice is not a byproduct of development — it is the foundation. Let us uphold the law with fairness so history will remember our choice.”
