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Confident and optimistic about the challenge ahead, Zambia’s Dr. Samuel Maimbo, who is vying for the top position at the African Development Bank (AfDB), spoke exclusively to Zambia Monitor in Lusaka recently, outlining his vision for Africa’s economic transformation.
With over two decades in global development finance, including serving as Vice President for Strategy and Budget at the World Bank, Maimbo believes his experience positions him to lead the AfDB in addressing Africa’s economic challenges and unlocking its full potential.
Maimbo’s decision to run for AfDB President is driven by his deep understanding of development finance and a strong desire to accelerate Africa’s economic growth.
Read more: Zambia’s Maimbo formally launches AfDB presidential bid, calls for bold leadership
“In my 23 years in development, I have seen countries develop and others struggle to reach their full potential.
“For the past five years, I have had the privilege of operating at the highest levels of development finance, supporting two World Bank Presidents and managing an annual replenishment cycle,” Maimbo said.
“With that experience, it is clear to me that Africa is being left behind—not due to a lack of goodwill from our leaders, but because our growth rate is not fast enough to create the jobs we need. That realization is what motivated me to put my name forward for the AfDB presidency,” he told Zambia Monitor.
He emphasized that the AfDB must take a proactive role in identifying and supporting sectors that will drive job creation and economic transformation.
“I am running because I have the experience and skills to ensure that the AfDB remains the premier institution governments turn to as they navigate complex economic realities. We must ensure Africa catches up with the rest of the world,” he stated.
If elected, Maimbo aims to position the AfDB as the first point of contact for African governments seeking economic growth solutions.
“I want the AfDB to be the institution that governments call first when they are developing new policies. We have the expertise to quickly identify which policies will work and which will not,” he explained.
His strategy includes increasing financing options, strengthening partnerships with multinational institutions, and enhancing domestic financial mobilization.
“The AfDB must significantly increase the level of financing available in Africa. This requires stronger collaboration with global financial institutions, private sector players, and domestic partners,” he said.
He also stressed the need to invest in Africa’s youth.
“We must prepare young Africans for the future by investing in education, healthcare, and other critical services,” Maimbo noted.
“The AfDB’s balance sheet may not allow us to do everything at once, but through strategic partnerships and financial innovation, we can achieve ambitious goals,” he added.
On private sector involvement, Maimbo stressed the importance of policy stability.
“The private sector thrives in a predictable environment. Our job is to get out of the way and let businesses operate. Investors need clear, consistent policies to plan for the long term,” he said.
He also called for patience in economic development, arguing that it’s a painstaking process.
“Transformation takes time. The results of good policies may not be visible immediately, but they lay a strong foundation for sustainable growth,” he added.
Addressing Africa’s debt challenges, Maimbo emphasized responsible fiscal management while ensuring continued investment in key sectors.
“We must support debt restructuring to create fiscal space for governments to invest in SMEs and other high-impact areas,” he said.
He also underscored SMEs as a pillar of Africa’s economic future. “As AfDB President, I will ensure we support SMEs not just with financing, but also by creating an enabling business environment for their growth,” he pledged.
Maimbo strongly advocated integration of women into Africa’s development agenda.
“There is no development without women at the table. I refuse to have women’s empowerment as a separate programme—it must be embedded in every sector, policy, and investment decision,” he asserted.
Maimbo remained confident in his ability to lead the AfDB and drive Africa’s economic growth.
“Africa has everything it needs to succeed. We just need to be ambitious, stay focused, and work together,” he stated
His candidacy comes at a time when Africa faced mounting economic challenges, including high youth unemployment and limited access to development finance.
If elected, Maimbo is expected to focus on policies that drive faster economic expansion and job creation across the continent.
The AfDB presidential election is set to take place later this year, with Maimbo joining a competitive field of candidates aiming to steer the bank’s vision for Africa’s development.
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