IN the heart of Africa’s economic development, the African Development Bank (AfDB) has long stood as a beacon of hope and progress. For nearly six decades, it has shaped the continent’s infrastructure, boosted development projects, and fostered transformative change.

 However, as Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s second term as President of the AfDB nears its conclusion in 2025, the search for a new leader to carry the Bank’s mission forward has begun. This pivotal transition will determine the trajectory of Africa’s financial future in an increasingly complex global landscape. As such, five formidable candidates have stepped forward, each bringing a wealth of experience and a distinct vision to the table.

The Steering Committee of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank convened on 11 and 12 February 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to review the contenders and ensure that the selection process for the next president is as transparent as it is rigorous. 

After careful deliberation, the list of candidates was finalized, and these individuals will now vie for the presidency during the election scheduled for 29 May 2025. This marks a historic moment in the Bank’s evolution as it seeks a leader who can steer Africa toward a future of resilience, sustainability, and inclusive growth.

Each candidate comes with a unique background, poised to bring new insights into the Bank’s mission. Whether it is bolstering Africa’s green economy, advancing infrastructure development, or strengthening regional cooperation, these leaders hold a shared commitment to the AfDB’s values and vision. 

The African Development Bank operates under the leadership of its president, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, the chief of staff, and the legal representative of the Bank. 

According to the AfDB's governance framework, the president serves a renewable five-year term. The next leader will inherit a crucial responsibility: to continue the progress made under Dr. Adesina’s tenure while facing the challenges of an evolving continent and global economy.

Let us turn our attention to the five candidates, each representing a different facet of leadership, from economic governance to sustainable development and multilateral diplomacy.

Amadou Hott, a seasoned financier and development strategist from Senegal, is a highly regarded figure in African financial circles. His tenure as Senegal's Minister of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation saw him navigating the turbulent waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the nation’s economic stability during one of the most challenging global crises of the 21st century. 

As the former Vice President at the African Development Bank, Hott oversaw the Power, Energy, Green Growth, and Climate Change Complex, which positioned him as an advocate for Africa’s green and sustainable future. 

His track record demonstrates a deep commitment to climate resilience and energy transformation, two critical pillars for Africa’s future. Hott's leadership philosophy revolves around a transformative green agenda that he believes is not just a necessity but a lucrative opportunity for the continent.

Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo from Zambia brings over three decades of expertise in international development finance to the table. A former Lead Financial Sector Specialist at the World Bank, Dr. Maimbo has a profound understanding of Africa’s financial landscape. 

His academic credentials, including a Ph.D. in Public Administration with a focus on banking, complement his practical experience in financial markets and strategic planning. Dr. Maimbo’s approach to leadership is rooted in fostering sound financial governance and building strong financial institutions across the continent. 

His vision for the AfDB presidency centers on strengthening the bank's capacity to support regional development projects, with a particular emphasis on advancing Africa's financial integration and mobilizing private sector investment.

Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania is another formidable contender. With a background steeped in economic development and multilateral institutions, he brings with him invaluable experience as the former Director-General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). 

His tenure at BADEA was marked by a commitment to deepening economic integration across Africa and strengthening the continent's role in the global economy. Dr. Ould Tah’s vision for the AfDB presidency highlights the necessity for African nations to collaborate more closely, combining resources to tackle the continent’s infrastructure challenges and enhance trade and investment flows. His leadership approach is collaborative, emphasizing the importance of fostering synergies among governments, the private sector, and international institutions to achieve sustainable development.

Mr. Abbas Mahamat Tolli from Chad has earned a reputation as a financial governance expert with a particular focus on central banking. Serving as the Governor of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) from 2017 to 2024, Tolli played a pivotal role in implementing reforms that brought greater financial stability to the Central African region. 

His experience as Chad's Minister of Finance and Economy, along with his role as Chief of Staff to the President, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of both national economic policy and regional integration. His vision for the AfDB presidency centers on enhancing the bank's role as a facilitator of economic stability and growth, especially amid global financial uncertainty. Tolli's candidacy demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that the AfDB remains a reliable partner for the African states that rely on it for funding and support.

Ms. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, hailing from South Africa, is a finance professional with over three decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. Her current role as the Chief Executive Officer of Vermogen SA (Pty) Ltd complements her extensive background, which includes previously serving as the Chief Financial Officer of the African Development Bank Group. 

Tshabalala’s leadership in financial strategy, corporate governance, and development finance uniquely positions her as a candidate capable of steering the AfDB through complex financial landscapes. 

Her vision focuses on expanding the AfDB’s impact by modernizing its financial structures and enhancing its operational efficiency. Tshabalala advocates for leveraging technology and innovation to drive economic growth and foster a more inclusive financial ecosystem across Africa.

As these five candidates prepare for the presidency, each presents a unique combination of skills, experiences, and visions for the future of Africa's most important financial institution. What connects them is a common commitment to the principles of the AfDB: promoting sustainable development, encouraging regional integration, and ensuring economic stability for the continent’s 54 member nations. The choice of the next president will be crucial, influencing not only the future of the AfDB but also the economic and developmental trajectory of Africa as a whole.

The election, scheduled to take place during the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors, will be the culmination of a careful and thorough process to determine who will lead the African Development Bank into a new era of growth and prosperity.

 As the continent faces ever-evolving challenges, from climate change to infrastructure deficits and financial instability, the next president will need to balance bold leadership with deep-rooted experience, forging a path that continues the work of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and helps unlock the full potential of Africa’s vibrant future.

This is more than just an election; it is a defining moment for the future of Africa. The Board of Governors, representing the continent's nations, will have the historic responsibility of choosing a leader who will carry the torch of progress and innovation for years to come.