We write this message with deep admiration and gratitude as your tenure as President of the African Development Bank Group draws to a close.

Your ten years of transformative leadership have inspired a generation of young economists across Africa.

You led with vision, with integrity, and with a heart that truly beats for Africa.

Under your leadership, the Bank grew its capital from $93 billion to $318 billion.

That was not luck. It was clarity, courage, and hard work. You believed Africa could lead itself, and showed how.

Kenya recognised your impact by honouring you with the highest national award,

The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H).

You led a global institution and still found time for young people.

You gave us hope that we, too, can lead if we prepare, learn, and stay honest to ourselves.

You spoke about Africa with confidence. You put its problems on the table, and offered real solutions.

You brought back pride in home-grown ideas and showed the world that Africa has what it takes,

The resources, the people, and the ideas, to shape its own future.

You believed in Africa, and in return, Africa believed in you.

Your leadership not only transformed institutions but also touched individuals.

You inspired us to dream beyond borders, to speak confidently about Africa’s potential, and to act with resolve and courage.

We at KESA are proud to have walked a small part of this journey with you.

This photo, with our KESA President, captures more than a moment.

It marks a meeting between one who has walked the journey and another who dreams of walking it too.

As your term ends, we wish you peace, good health, and strength.

The foundation you laid is strong. We hope the next President builds on it, with the same bold spirit.

Thank you for showing us what is possible. Thank you for making Economics matter.

You made us believe we belong at the table and that excellence, rooted in purpose, does get recognised.