Seychelles assumes chairmanship of AfDB's Eastern Africa Constituency
June 14, 2025
Seychelles has formally assumed the Chairmanship of the Eastern Africa Constituency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). This was during the 60th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the financial institution that took take place in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire from 26 to 30 May 2025.
Seychelles was represented at the meeting by Secretary of State in the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade, Mr. Patrick Payet and Economist in the National Planning Department, Ms. Shirin Pillay.
When accepting the chairmanship, SS Payet stated “taking on the Chair of the Eastern Africa Constituency of the AfDB is a tremendous honour for Seychelles. We are dedicated to fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development within our region.”
In conjunction with this leadership role, Mr. Ronald Cafrinehas been appointed as the new Executive Director representing the Eastern Africa Constituency which includes Seychelles at the AfDB. His appointment will take effect on August, 1st 2025. This significant transition was endorsed during the AfDB’s Annual Meeting held in May 2025, marking a pivotal moment for Seychelles and its commitment to regional development.
Mr. Cafrine, who will assume his duties as Executive Director following the transition, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. “I am honored to represent Seychelles and our constituency at the African Development Bank. Together, we will work tirelessly to promote development initiatives that align with our shared vision for a prosperous and sustainable Africa,” he stated. For the past three years, Mr Cafrine has served as Senior Advisor to the outgoing Executive Director Mr. Jonathan Nzayikorera from Rwanda, within the Eastern Africa Constituency African Development Bank.
The Secretary of State, commended the appointment of Mr. Cafrine saying ‘with his appointment as the new Executive Director, we are confident that we will advance our collective goals and drive impactful initiatives that benefit our communities.”
The Eastern Africa Constituency is made up of Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Eritrea, Seychelles, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda with the Executive Director serving as their representative on the Board of the African Development Bank Group.
During the meeting, Seychelles participated in the election process in which governors representing the Bank’s 81 shareholders countries elected former Mauritanian Finance Minister, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah as the new President of the continent’s premier development institution. The Current President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina will conclude his mandate at the end of August 2025 after serving two five-year terms.
Seychelles’ delegation also took the opportunity during the annual meeting to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships with international partners.