Ronald Cafrine Begins Duties as AfDB Executive Director for Eastern Africa
VICTORIA, Seychelles — Ronald Cafrine AfDB appointment has entered its operational phase as the newly appointed Executive Director for the Eastern Africa Constituency of the African Development Bank paid a courtesy and consultation visit to Minister for Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment, Pierre Laporte, on Tuesday January 6. This marked Mr Cafrine’s first official mission since assuming office, representing a constituency that includes Seychelles, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, and Uganda. His visit underscored the importance of collaboration within the constituency and the Bank’s commitment to supporting member states through concessional financing and technical assistance.
The significance of this appointment extends beyond Seychelles to encompass the entire Eastern African region, which faces diverse development challenges ranging from infrastructure deficits to climate adaptation needs. Mr Cafrine represents nine countries at the AfDB board of directors, a portfolio that requires balancing competing priorities while advancing collective interests. Minister Laporte, who serves as the AfDB Governor for Seychelles and currently chairs the AfDB Eastern Africa Constituency Group of Governors, will lead the group’s upcoming meeting on the margins of the AfDB Annual Meetings in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, in May.
Technical teams outlined key challenges and proposed measures to accelerate disbursements, address delays, and improve overall project performance during the consultation. Priority areas identified include youth employment, economic diversification, and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Mr Cafrine encouraged Seychelles to make greater use of the AfDB’s wide range of instruments, including technical assistance, knowledge products, advisory services, and private sector financing options. He proposed organising a dedicated stakeholder workshop to raise awareness and enhance uptake of these facilities.
The discussions highlighted the successful conclusion of the latest replenishment of the African Development Fund (ADF) in May 2024, which mobilised a record US $11 billion, reflecting stronger continental ownership of the development fund. Notably, African countries contributed US $534 million, demonstrating growing commitment to the institution’s mission. Consultations focused on Seychelles’ AfDB-funded projects, which currently record an implementation rate of 57 percent, alongside progress under the Seychelles Country Strategy Paper (CSP). The AfDB provides concessional financing and grants to 37 of Africa’s poorest nations that do not qualify for standard lending.
Minister Laporte was briefed on recent institutional developments, including the assumption of office by the newly elected AfDB President, who is expected to outline the Bank’s strategic priorities in the coming months. The discussions emphasised Seychelles’ engagement with Technical Teams from the Central Bank of Seychelles and senior officials from key ministries engaged in CSP implementation. Mr Cafrine is expected to continue his consultation visits across other countries in the constituency before returning to AfDB headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The appointment strengthens Seychelles’ voice in continental development finance and regional economic integration.
📷 Image source: Office of the President — statehouse.gov.sc
