African Development Bank President Donald Kaberuka on Friday, January 16 expressed optimism that 2015 holds an opportunity for the African continent to achieve progress in economic growth depending on the political will of African Governments. “It will depend on the policy stance of the countries, and the choices that they make or do not make,” he said.

The President was addressing diplomats accredited to the Bank’s host country, Côte d’Ivoire, the Bank’s senior management staff, and local and international media at an annual luncheon in Abidjan.

Kaberuka said although 2014 presented many challenges, including headwinds in the global economy, slowdown in the large emerging markets, and sharp declines in commodity prices, Africa remained resilient, maintaining its dynamism, at 5.5 percent growth.

“We know that given our demographics, 5 percent growth is strong but not stellar. It is 7 percent we must target,” he emphasised.