Dodoma. The government has officially named the soon-to-be-completed outer ring road in the administrative capital, Dodoma, after the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, in recognition of the Bank’s substantial contribution to Tanzania’s infrastructure development.
The announcement was made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan after the tour of the 112.3-kilometre Dodoma outer ring road project, which is being constructed with funding from the AfDB.
She was accompanied by Dr Adesina, his spouse, senior government officials, and retired leaders, including former President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete.
Speaking after the tour on June 14, 2025, President Samia said the decision to name the road after Dr Adesina is a tribute to his leadership during his tenure, and the Bank’s 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,” President Samia told a public rally.
She went on to say that under leadership of Dr Adesina Tanzania has benefited greatly through several development projects.
“As he nears the end of his term, I wish to express my heartfelt appreciation for his support to our country. May God bless his future endeavours,” she added.
And then she made the announcement: “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.”
President Samia and Dr Adesina also inspected progress at the Msalato International Airport, which is being constructed in part with financing from the AfDB.
Once operational, the airport will be directly linked to the Adesina Bypass, making it a vital hub for domestic and regional connectivity.
During the tour, the Minister for Works, Mr Abdallah Ulega, provided a detailed briefing on the status of the ring road construction.
He noted that the project is nearing completion and is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and support the expansion of Dodoma as a fast-growing administrative and economic centre.
