By Zainab.joaque@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The African Development Bank (AfDB) will usher in a new era of leadership on May 29 as five distinguished candidates compete to succeed outgoing President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose transformative decade-long tenure concludes this year.
After rigorous vetting, the Board of Governors’ Steering Committee approved a slate of candidates representing Africa’s diverse regions:
- Amadou Hott (Senegal), former AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy and Climate
- Samuel Munzele Maimbo (Zambia), World Bank Director of Financial Inclusion
- Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania), Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development
- Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad), former BEAC Governor
- Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa), current AfDB Senior Vice President
The leadership transition comes at a pivotal moment as Africa confronts multiple challenges:
- Accelerating digital transformation
- Strengthening institutional governance
- Expanding energy access
- Increasing continental trade share
“This election will determine whether Africa’s premier financial institution can mobilize capital more effectively for our development priorities,” noted Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former AfDB Board Chair.
Election Mechanics
Candidates have submitted detailed vision statements outlining their strategic blueprints for the Bank. The election will be conducted through a weighted voting system based on member countries’ shareholdings during the Annual Meetings, expected to draw over 3,000 participants including heads of state and global financial leaders.
Legacy and Challenges Ahead
The new president will inherit an institution that under Adesina’s leadership:
- Achieved historic capital increases
- Launched transformative initiatives like Desert-to-Power
- Maintained AAA credit ratings
However, pressing challenges remain in closing Africa’s $100+ billion annual infrastructure financing gap and navigating complex global economic headwinds.
As Africa’s economic landscape evolves, all eyes remain on Abidjan where the continent’s financial future will take shape through this landmark democratic process at Africa’s most influential development institution. ZIJ/7/4/2025
