Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a landmark press briefing held today in Addis Ababa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) formally introduced Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo as their endorsed candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
The high-profile event was co-hosted by His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of SADC; His Excellency Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and Chairperson of COMESA; and His Excellency Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia.
Dr. Maimbo: A Visionary Leader for AfDB
Dr. Maimbo brings nearly three decades of distinguished experience in development finance and resource mobilization. As the former Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank, he played a pivotal role in managing the institution’s extensive financial portfolio. His tenure as Chief of Staff to successive World Bank presidents further solidified his expertise in strategic leadership and high-level policy formulation.
With the combined endorsement of SADC and COMESA, Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy is set to redefine Africa’s financial landscape. His commitment to sustainable development, innovative financial solutions, and regional economic integration positions him as a transformative leader for the continent’s foremost financial institution.
Africa Unites Behind a Strong Candidature
The endorsement by Presidents Mnangagwa and Ndayishimiye underscores the collective vision of African leadership in ensuring strong, strategic governance at the AfDB. Their support signals a commitment to advancing financial resilience, economic empowerment, and inclusive growth across the continent.
His Excellency President Hichilema reaffirmed Zambia’s full support for Dr. Maimbo’s bid, recognizing his expertise as crucial for steering AfDB towards a new era of economic transformation.
Regional Backing for Global Impact
The strong backing from regional blocs such as SADC and COMESA highlights Africa’s unified stance in placing experienced and results-driven leadership at the helm of its top financial institution. Dr. Maimbo’s vision aligns with the broader objectives of the AfDB in fostering infrastructure development, economic stability, and financial inclusion.
The Road Ahead
As Africa prepares for the next phase of leadership at the AfDB, all eyes are on Dr. Maimbo’s vision for a financially robust and globally competitive Africa. With unwavering regional and continental support, his candidacy marks a significant step in Africa’s journey towards economic self-sufficiency and innovation-driven development.
This announcement sets the stage for a dynamic race, but with a proven track record and extensive experience, Dr. Maimbo stands as a formidable contender to lead the AfDB into a new era of growth and prosperity.
Stay tuned for more updates on this groundbreaking development and join the conversation using #AfDBLeadership #AfricaRising #MaimboForAfDB #EconomicGrowth #SADC #COMESA.
