In the highly anticipated race for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency, one name stands out as a beacon of hope for the continent’s future.

Dr. Samuel Maimbo, a seasoned Zambian economist with an unparalleled vision for Africa’s economic prosperity. With his pragmatic approach and ambitious plans, Maimbo has emerged as the leading contender for the coveted position, drawing widespread support and a growing wave of endorsements across the continent.

Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy has been buoyed by robust support from major regional blocs, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). These endorsements are a testament to his diplomatic finesse and ability to forge consensus among diverse African nations. Leaders across the continent have rallied behind his vision, drawn to his practical and outcome-oriented approach to pressing issues such as unemployment, food security, infrastructure development, and the vital expansion of intra-African trade.

Dr. Maimbo is not just a man of promises,he is a man of action. His proven track record speaks volumes. Most notably, he successfully mobilized an astounding $93 billion in development aid during the global Covid-19 pandemic, with a substantial 60% of that sum allocated directly to Africa. This remarkable achievement underscores his ability to galvanize financial resources for Africa’s development at critical moments. Furthermore, his leadership in high-impact initiatives such as “Making Finance Work for Africa” and his deep expertise in capital markets and disaster risk finance solidify his technical credibility and establish him as one of Africa’s foremost economic minds.

Maimbo’s vision for Africa is nothing short of transformative. He advocates for scaling up employment-generating industries, with a particular emphasis on agriculture, a sector poised to drive economic growth and empower millions of Africans. Furthermore, he envisions a more interconnected continent, where regional integration through trade and infrastructure development will serve as the catalyst for growth. Central to his platform is the bold idea of transitioning Africa from reliance on external aid to a future where private sector-driven growth and robust domestic resource mobilization fuel the continent’s development.

While Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy enjoys broad-based support, the race for the AfDB presidency is not without its challenges. His primary rival, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania, has garnered the backing of France given his presidency of BADEA up until mid-April where he used the position to lobby for the Presidency of the AfDB – the only candidate not to resign or take leave to campaign.

As the election looms, the outcome will likely hinge on diplomatic maneuvering, regional consensus-building, and the ability to unite member states and stakeholders under a shared vision for Africa’s future.

Widely regarded as the frontrunner in the race, Dr. Maimbo exudes quiet confidence, bolstered by the unwavering support of his allies and a clear, results-driven agenda. If elected, Maimbo will not only make history as the second Zambian and the third Southern African to lead the AfDB but will also usher in a new era of economic growth, regional unity, and sustainable development across the continent.

With his strategic foresight, robust leadership, and unwavering commitment to Africa’s progress, Dr. Samuel Maimbo stands poised to become the next president of the African Development Bank. His practical solutions, combined with a remarkable ability to unite diverse stakeholders, position him as the ideal leader to drive Africa’s transformative economic growth and development for decades to come. If the future of Africa is to be defined by prosperity, self-reliance, and sustainable development, Dr. Maimbo is undeniably the visionary leader it needs.