Online Reporter
Africa Moyo in ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire
A new African Development Bank Group president will be voted for tomorrow at the ongoing 2025 AfDB annual meetings.
Five candidates vying for the post are Dr Samuel Munzele Maimbo of Zambia, Ms Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa, Mr Hott Amadou of Senegal, Mr Tah Sidi Ould of Mauritania and Mr Tolli Abbas Mahamat of Chad. Incumbent Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who calls himself Africa’s perpetual optimist, has done his two five-year terms and will step down at the end of August.
The president-elect from tomorrow’s polls will assume office in September.
Representatives of SADC countries wish that a candidate from the region emerges victorious.
But, some analysts have decried the fielding of two candidates; Dr Maimbo and Ms Tshabalala.
It has been a hive of activity today, with the candidates in closed door meetings with AfDB governors and could not be pinned down to speak on their prospects in the elections.
However, on Tuesday, both Dr Maimbo and Ms Swazi expressed optimism of winning the elections.
“I am pushing very hard. I think I have a compelling vision for the bank and for the continent, and I think it will resonate with the shareholders of the bank,” she said.
Asked how it feels to be the only female candidate in the race, Ms Swazi said: “It is very important that I am the only woman candidate, and I am very proud to represent women across the continent.”
Dr Maimbo, who was endorsed by SADC and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), equally said he was optimistic of landing the top job and helping transform the continent.
Other candidates could not be reached for comment.
At the 38th annual African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, SADC Chairperson President Mnangagwa, COMESA Chairperson Evariste Ndayishimiye and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, came together during an extraordinary joint press conference to reaffirm support for Dr Maimbo as the preferred candidate for AfDB president.
He is a development leader with over 30 years’ experience in over 40 countries.
Since July 2023, Dr Maimbo is vice president – budget, performance review and strategic planning at the World Bank Group in Washington DC.
Between October 2022 and September 2023, he was chief of staff in the office of the World Bank president.
In his manifesto, Dr Maimbo included a picture of him with President Mnangagwa, following his visit to Harare a few months ago.
The AfDB president is elected by the board of governors of the bank.
The board of governors is made up of representatives of member States, usually ministers of finance, planning or central bank governors or their duly designated alternates.
To win, a candidate needs a majority vote comprising 50,01 percent of the total voting power of all member States of the Bank, and 50,01 percent of the total voting power of the regional (African) member States.
Voting powers to be used for the elections are determined by the board of directors on the basis of payments actually received by the Bank on account of capital subscriptions.
The voting powers are determined as at the close of business on the last working day in the month immediately preceding the month in which the elections will take place.
The Steering Committee on Elections for the Presidency, a subsidiary organ of the Board of Governors, administers the electoral process.
Bongani Ndlovu