The Prime Minister underscored that this is more than just another economic forum it is a strategic moment for Africa to align its ambitions with the instruments that can deliver lasting prosperity.
This moment marks a turning point for our continent,
Dr. Nsengiyumva declared.
It is a unique opportunity to rethink the way we build, exchange, and grow by strengthening our value chains and deepening cross-border cooperation. The African Continental Free Trade Area is at the heart of this transformation.
He highlighted the critical role of strong and resilient institutions in advancing regional trade and development. Using TDB as a case study, he noted that the bank’s four decades of service have shown that Africa’s future lies in its ability to invest in itself. Since its creation in 1985, TDB has mobilized billions of dollars in financing to support transformative projects in health, agriculture, infrastructure development, and climate resilience. These investments, he said, have not only stimulated economic activity but have also laid the foundation for sustainable and inclusive growth across member states.
Rwanda’s strategic partnership with TDB
Rwanda is one of the eleven founding members of TDB, and its partnership with the institution has been instrumental in financing key sectors of its economy. Over the years, TDB has provided more than $1 billion to support strategic initiatives in transportation, aviation, agriculture, and critical infrastructure. Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Yussuf Murangwa, used the occasion to highlight the bank’s pivotal role in the country’s economic transformation.
TDB has been a trusted partner in Rwanda’s development journey. Its investments have helped us address infrastructure gaps, improve connectivity, and enhance productivity in priority sectors,
he said. Murangwa also called on African governments, private sector actors, and development partners to leverage innovation as a catalyst for a more integrated and resilient African economy.
A 40-year legacy of impact
The 2025 Annual General Meeting coincided with TDB’s 40th anniversary a milestone that provided an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s achievements while reaffirming its mission for the decades ahead. From its inception, TDB’s mandate has been to finance and facilitate trade, promote regional economic integration, and support sustainable development. Over time, it has evolved into a multi-sector development finance powerhouse, expanding its portfolio to cover infrastructure financing, trade facilitation, and climate-smart investments. The Prime Minister noted that this track record proves that African-led financial institutions can successfully mobilize resources to address the continent’s development priorities.
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Africa’s economic outlook : opportunities and challenges
Economic projections presented during the meeting show a cautiously optimistic picture. Africa’s overall GDP growth is expected to reach 3.9% in 2025 and 4.1% in 2026. For TDB member states, the outlook is even more positive, with growth forecasted at 4.3% in 2025 and 5.1% in 2026. However, both Nsengiyumva and Murangwa stressed that these figures will only be achieved if African countries fully exploit the potential of the AfCFTA, reduce trade barriers, and invest in modern infrastructure to facilitate seamless trade flows.
Towards a more integrated african market
The Kigali meeting served as a reminder that regional integration is not just an aspiration but a necessity for Africa to position itself competitively in the global economy. With AfCFTA offering access to a market of over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, stakeholders agree that the continent’s future growth hinges on expanding intra-African trade and fostering industrial value chains. TDB’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to financing projects that not only generate economic returns but also deliver social and environmental benefits. This includes greater emphasis on renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and climate adaptation.
In essence, the 40th anniversary of TDB was more than a celebration it was a strategic call to action. The message from Kigali was clear: Africa’s economic transformation will be built by Africans, for Africans, through stronger trade links, robust institutions, and a shared vision of prosperity.
