Africa stands at a defining crossroads in its economic journey, and the leadership of the African Development Bank (AfDB) will be instrumental in shaping the continent’s future. With pressing challenges such as energy access, infrastructure financing, and economic inclusion, the next AfDB president must be a bold leader with a clear vision for sustainable growth.

The Race for AfDB’s Top Job Heats Up

The competition for the AfDB presidency is intensifying, with Zambia’s Dr. Samuel Maimbo officially launching his campaign. He will go head-to-head with Senegal’s Amadou Hott, a key player in the Alliance for Green Infrastructure, and Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah, former head of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa. With outgoing president Akinwumi Adesina’s tenure ending in October, the May election in Abidjan will determine who will steer Africa’s premier financial institution through a defining era.

Africa Needs Bold Leadership

Dr. Maimbo’s campaign is backed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA). His leadership bid is centered on revitalizing Africa’s economic trajectory, focusing on industrial growth, infrastructure modernization, and energy access. With the continent’s share of global trade stagnating at just 3%, he has vowed to strengthen regional markets and accelerate economic integration.

A Shift from Rhetoric to Action

“Africa stands at a critical juncture,” Maimbo declared in Lusaka. “We need to get one billion people to work as quickly as possible by strategically supporting the industries that will improve livelihoods and ignite prosperity on our continent.” His campaign promises to move beyond discussions about Africa’s potential and take tangible steps toward unlocking it.

A Legacy of Leadership and Vision

Since 2015, Adesina has championed agriculture as a key investment driver, and last week, he secured an $8 billion agreement with the World Bank to power 300 million Africans.

With the AfDB maintaining its stellar triple-A rating, the incoming president will have a solid foundation to build upon. Maimbo, a former World Bank executive, has emphasized forging stronger public-private partnerships to unlock capital for Africa’s ambitious development projects.

A New Era for Africa’s Economic Transformation

Maimbo’s campaign has also gained momentum after South Africa, the continent’s largest economy, withdrew its initial support for another candidate and backed him as the SADC choice. As the election date draws near, African nations are weighing their options for a leader capable of delivering tangible, transformative results.

The AfDB presidency is not just a title—it is a commitment to driving Africa’s progress in an era demanding visionary leadership. With Africa’s future on the line, the right choice in May could redefine the continent’s economic trajectory for generations to come.