Asian Development Bank

ADB Appoints Lyaziza Sabyrova Country Director for Armenia

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has appointed Lyaziza Sabyrova as its new Country Director for Armenia, effective 1 April 2026. Ms. Sabyrova brings more than 30 years of professional experience, including over two decades with ADB, and will lead ADB's operations in Armenia, oversee implementation of the bank's operational approach, and manage a cross-functional resident mission. She will advance strategic priorities including infrastructure development, private sector-led growth, human development, and climate and disaster resilience.

ADB Commits Record $29.3B, 20% Rise, 23rd Apr

ADB committed $29.3 billion from its own resources in 2025, representing a 20% increase over 2024, with expected impacts of over 3.3 million jobs created and benefits to over 180 million people. The bank also implemented key institutional reforms including an amendment to the ADB Charter removing lending limitations to enable a 50% increase in financing capacity, an updated energy policy, streamlined procurement procedures, and a new approach to critical minerals-to-manufacturing value chains. Regional commitments totaled $8.3 billion for Central West Asia, $9.7 billion for South Asia, $9 billion for Southeast Asia, $1.4 billion for East Asia, and $680 million for the Pacific.

Masato Kanda Seeks Reelection as ADB President After Record $44B Support

ADB President Masato Kanda announced his intention to stand for reelection after his current term ends on 23 November 2026. Under his leadership, ADB committed $29.3 billion from its own resources in 2025 — a 20% increase over 2024 — with partners contributing an additional $14.7 billion, for a total of $44 billion of development finance. ADB Presidents are nominated from ADB's regional members for a five-year term and elected by the ADB Board of Governors. The Board of Governors will vote on Mr. Kanda's candidacy for a full five-year term.