The Government of Tanzania has officially named the 112.3-kilometre Dodoma Outer Ring Road after the outgoing President of the African Development Bank, Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

The announcement was made on Saturday, by President Samia Suluhu Hassan during an inspection tour of the road project, which was largely funded by the AfDB.

A statement made available to PUNCH Online stated the event was attended by Adesina and his wife, former President Jakaya Kikwete, key government officials, and community members.

Speaking to a cheering crowd, President Samia praised Dr Adesina for his transformative leadership and unwavering support for Tanzania?s development agenda.

?You can see that I have been accompanied by Dr Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank, during this inspection tour of the ring road.

?Under his leadership, Tanzania has benefited immensely from several strategic infrastructure projects.

?As he nears the end of his term, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for his support of our country. May God bless his future endeavours,? she said.

President Samia in her speech added,

?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.

?So, I now officially declare that the Dodoma Outer Ring Road shall be called Dr Akinwumi Adesina Road.?

The road, which encircles Dodoma, the nation?s rapidly growing administrative capital, is expected to significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve regional connectivity.

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The AfDB provided major financing for the project, reinforcing its reputation as a key development partner in East Africa.

During the tour, President Samia and Dr Adesina also inspected progress at the Msalato International Airport, another AfDB-supported project.

According to Samia, once completed, the airport will be directly linked to the newly named Adesina Road, forming a critical infrastructure network to boost tourism, trade, and logistics.

Minister of Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega, described the road as ?a backbone for the future of Dodoma.?

?The Adesina Road will support Dodoma?s expansion as a key economic and administrative hub.

?This is more than a road?it?s a driver of growth,? Ulega said.

Visibly moved, Adesina expressed deep gratitude to the Tanzanian government and people.

?This is an extraordinary honour. I am humbled and deeply grateful.

?I have always believed in Africa?s potential, and Tanzania holds a special place in my heart,? he said.

Adesina, who has served two terms as AfDB President, is widely regarded for his visionary leadership and commitment to inclusive growth across the continent. (The PUNCH)

?AfDB President, Femi Adesina , and Tanzanian President, Samia Hassan during an inspection tour of the road project?Photo Credit: AfDB

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