The African Development Bank (AfDB) has initiated the election process for its next president, with candidates announced for the upcoming election scheduled for May 29, 2025. This decision followed a two-day meeting held at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where a final list of candidates was approved.
The confirmed candidates vying for the prestigious position include Hott Amadou from Senegal, Maimbo Munzele from Zambia, Tah Ould from Mauritania, Tolli Mahamat from Chad, and Tshabalala Swazi from South Africa.
The Steering Committee of the Board of Governors has emphasized the importance of these elections, as each candidate brings unique perspectives and strategies, setting the stage for a pivotal decision regarding the future leadership of Africa’s foremost development finance institution.
The new president will succeed Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who has led the bank since 2015, implementing significant reforms and guiding the institution through complex global economic challenges.
The outcome of this election is poised to influence Africa’s economic trajectory, infrastructure advancement, and climate resilience initiatives. The AfDB has reaffirmed its dedication to enhancing regional integration, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
At a recent high-level ministerial roundtable in Casablanca, the bank’s Director of Regional Integration highlighted the crucial need for stronger economic collaboration across the continent. The AfCFTA is seen as a transformative initiative capable of creating a unified market and boosting intra-African trade by 52% by 2035, thus fostering industrialization and job creation.
This ministerial event, organized by the African Leadership Organisation, convened ministers, private sector leaders, and financial partners to discuss policy alignment, infrastructure development, and trade enhancement within the AfCFTA framework.
