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Development Finance Expert, Dr. Samuel Maimbo, has formally announced his candidacy for President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), emphasizing the need for bold, results-driven leadership to propel Africa’s economic transformation.
Speaking at Latitude 15 Hotel in Lusaka on Friday, during an event organized by ZANACO Bank, Maimbo stressed that Africa stood at a critical juncture, requiring decisive leadership at AfDB to accelerate economic growth and job creation.
“The AfDB needs bold, results-driven leadership unafraid to make tough decisions. I am the man for that job,” Maimbo declared.
He underscored the need to fast-track employment for one billion Africans by supporting key industries that enhance livelihoods and drive prosperity.
At the same event, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Mulambo Haimbe, commended the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) for endorsing Maimbo as their sole candidate for the AfDB presidency.
“This is a tremendous milestone not just for Zambia but for the entire region. We must unite in supporting Dr. Maimbo to strengthen AfDB’s role in Africa’s economic transformation,” Haimbe said.
He highlighted the importance of AfDB in advancing regional integration, infrastructure development, and tackling poverty, climate change, and youth unemployment.
ZANACO Managing Director, Mukwandi Chibesakunda, described Maimbo’s candidacy as a beacon of hope for Africa, praising his vision for a self-sustaining and inclusive continent.
“His commitment to inclusive development aligns with Zambia’s national, regional, and continental goals. His leadership could unlock renewed investments in marginalized communities, youth, and women,” Chibesakunda said.
She noted that closing Africa’s gender gap could add US$2.5 trillion to the continent’s GDP, citing World Bank estimates.
Meanwhile, Finance and National Planning Minister, Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, urged all stakeholders to rally behind Maimbo, emphasizing that Africa needed higher growth rates to navigate current challenges and seize future opportunities.
Read More: Zambia’s Maimbo gathers momentum in bid for AfDB presidency
Earlier in the day, Maimbo visited BongoHive, where he engaged with young innovators, urging them to broaden their horizons in technological advancements.
The ZANACO-hosted event was attended by former Vice President, Enock Kavindele, Minister of Technology and Science, Felix Mutati, Bank of Zambia Governor, Danny Kalyalya, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and private sector executives.
Maimbo, who was born and raised in Lusaka, previously served as Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank and as Chief of Staff to successive World Bank Presidents.
The AfDB election, scheduled for May 29, 2025, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, will determine the next leader of the 82-member institution tasked with driving sustainable development in Africa.
Maimbo is among eight candidates vying for the presidency. Others are:
1. Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad)
2. Rabah Arezki (Algeria)
3. Amadou Hott (Senegal)
4. Albert Zeufack (Cameroon)
5. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa)
6. Romuald Wadagni (Benin)
7. Ousmane Kane (Mauritania)
The position is currently held by Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina.
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