Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has officially unveiled the candidates vying for the prestigious position of president, setting the stage for a highly anticipated election scheduled for May 29.
The announcement follows a two-day meeting of the Steering Committee of the Board of Governors at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, where candidates were thoroughly examined before being cleared to contest.
Candidates for AfDB Presidency
The approved candidates represent a diverse group of African leaders with significant experience in economic development and financial management. The contenders are:
- Mr. Hott Amadou (Senegal)
- Dr. Maimbo Munzele (Zambia)
- Mr. Tah Ould (Mauritania)
- Mr. Tolli Mahamat (Chad)
- Ms. Tshabalala Swazi (South Africa)
Each candidate brings a unique vision for the future of the AfDB, making this election crucial for the institution’s role in shaping Africa’s economic development.
Leadership Transition and Future Impact
The election will determine the successor to the current president, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who has led the bank since 2015. Under his leadership, the AfDB has implemented significant reforms and navigated complex global economic challenges.
The outcome of the election is expected to have wide-ranging implications for Africa’s development agenda, particularly in key areas such as infrastructure, economic growth, and climate resilience.
AfDB’s Commitment to Regional Integration
The African Development Bank continues to emphasize the importance of regional integration, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The agreement is projected to boost intra-African trade by 52% by 2035, fostering economic transformation across the continent.
Dr. Joy Kategekwa, AfDB Director of Regional Integration, underscored the significance of integration at a recent high-level ministerial roundtable in Casablanca, stating:
“Africa’s economic transformation hinges on our capacity to integrate. The AfCFTA presents a significant opportunity to establish a unified market, unleash business potential, drive industrialization, and generate employment.”
The roundtable, hosted by the African Leadership Organization, brought together government ministers, private sector leaders, and financial stakeholders to discuss strategies for policy alignment, infrastructure development, and trade facilitation within the AfCFTA framework.
Dr. Kategekwa further emphasized that integration goes beyond trade, highlighting the need for the free movement of people, ideas, and opportunities. The AfDB has pledged to support this initiative through strategic investments and policy backing.
As the AfDB election approaches, all eyes will be on the candidates and their proposed strategies for driving Africa’s economic growth and development in the coming years.
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