(lavoixdesentreprises.info) – To lead the African Development Bank (AfDB), five candidates, including one woman, are vying for the position following Akinwumi Adesina’s term. Their diverse profiles reflect the variety of ambitions and approaches within this key institution for infrastructure financing in Africa.
The African Development Bank, a crucial institution for the continent’s economic development, is preparing for a leadership change with the end of its Nigerian president Akinwumi Adesina’s term. Five candidates have been selected to compete for this position, representing a range of experiences and visions for the future of the AfDB. Among them is South African Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, who stands out as the only woman in the race. Currently the first vice-president of the AfDB, Tshabalala has demonstrated her ability to address the challenges posed by climate change by expanding the bank’s financial capacity through hybrid capital innovation, a mix of debt and equity that has energized project financing.
Senegalese Amadou Hott, another notable candidate, presents himself as a figure of continuity. As the AfDB’s special envoy for the Green Alliance in Africa, he possesses a deep understanding of environmental and economic issues. However, his candidacy is overshadowed by the fact that the West African region is not in a position to provide a president for the bank this time, which could hinder his ambitions.
The other three candidates bring a more disruptive vision. Chadian Mahamat Abbas Tolli, who was the first to announce his candidacy, has the support of CEMAC, the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa. However, his term as governor of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) has been marred by governance-related controversies, which could damage his credibility.
Sidi Ould Tah, from Mauritania, leads the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). Under his leadership, this institution has doubled its capital and recently moved its headquarters to Riyadh, facilitating access to Gulf financing. His support from Côte d’Ivoire could strengthen his candidacy, but it remains to be seen how this will influence his campaign.
Finally, Zambian economist Samuel Munzele Maimbo, with his experience at the World Bank, focuses on the effectiveness and impact of funded projects. However, his limited proficiency in French, the primary language of communication at the AfDB, poses a potential obstacle in an environment where most employees speak this language.
Thus, a rich and complex electoral landscape is emerging for the presidency of the African Development Bank. African and non-African states, as shareholders of the bank, will be responsible for selecting among these candidates next May. The outcome of this election could not only influence the direction of the AfDB but also the development of vital infrastructures across the African continent, from highways to solar parks and other large-scale projects. The stakes are considerable, and each candidate will need to demonstrate vision and leadership to address the pressing challenges facing Africa.
Sorelle Ninguem
About The Author
En savoir plus sur La Voix des Entreprises
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
