As Africa prepares for the upcoming African Development Bank (AfDB) presidential elections, Zambia’s Dr. Samuel Maimbo is emerging as the favorite to become the next President, with significant backing from regional economic blocs and international development partners. With over 30 years of experience in global finance and economic development, Dr. Maimbo has cultivated a reputation as a results-driven leader with a deep understanding of Africa’s financial landscape and development challenges.

According to those who have worked with him over the decades, above all else, Dr. Maimbo sets himself apart as the roll-up-your-sleeves and get-the-job-done candidate in the race – his career has been defined by a laser sharp focus on delivering tangible outcomes, efficiency, and pragmatic, realistic, consensus-oriented solutions. He is now leaning into that reputation as he runs for one of the highest profile roles on the continent.

His candidacy, officially endorsed by both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), signals broad regional confidence in his ability to lead AfDB toward a more impactful, transparent, and inclusive development agenda.

A Candidate with a Proven Track Record

Dr. Maimbo’s professional journey is marked by decades of high-level leadership in international and African financial institutions, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping Africa’s development finance strategies. He has been instrumental in advancing infrastructure financing, private sector growth, and financial inclusion, areas that are critical to the continent’s economic transformation.

Over the years, Dr. Maimbo has spearheaded projects that mobilized billions of dollars for African economies, ensuring that financing reaches sectors with the highest potential for job creation and sustainable development. His expertise in designing financial systems that promote inclusive economic growth has been widely recognized by both policymakers and development partners.

At the African Union summit in Ethiopia, Dr. Maimbo’s campaign gained further traction when the SADC and COMESA Chairs, alongside Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema, held a high-profile press conference to publicly reaffirm SADC and COMESA’s endorsement for his candidacy. The event underscored the broad-based support he enjoys across the continent, positioning him as one of the most visible and serious contenders in the race.

His supporters argue that his extensive experience and technical expertise make him uniquely qualified to steer AfDB through Africa’s evolving economic landscape, where traditional development finance models are being redefined to meet the continent’s growing demands for infrastructure, green energy, and digital transformation.

The Role of AfDB in Africa’s Economic Future

The African Development Bank plays a crucial role in financing infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and industrial projects across the continent. The next AfDB president will be tasked with ensuring that the bank is responsive to Africa’s most pressing economic challenges, particularly in the wake of global financial disruptions and climate change.

Dr. Maimbo’s supporters believe he is the right candidate to bring a fresh perspective on financing models, focusing on boosting Africa’s economic growth and scaling up innovative funding solutions that blend public and private sector investments. His approach aligns with Africa’s growing need for domestically mobilized resources, reducing dependence on external debt and aid while ensuring long-term financial sustainability.

With the continent facing challenges such as debt restructuring, food insecurity, and climate financing, AfDB requires a leader who understands how to navigate these complex issues while fostering greater regional economic cooperation. Dr. Maimbo’s vision emphasizes strengthening partnerships with African governments, international investors, and multilateral institutions to drive large-scale, high-impact projects.

A Call for Regional Unity in Leadership

While competition for the AfDB presidency remains strong, many African leaders stress the importance of a unified approach in selecting the next bank President who can balance regional interests while advancing a pan-African development agenda.

Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy is seen as an opportunity to reinforce the principle of regional representation in continental leadership positions. His endorsement by SADC and COMESA will also promote a leadership style, should he be elected, that prioritizes collective African interests rather than country-specific and external interests.

Moreover, Africa’s economic position on the global stage will require the next AfDB president to be capable of negotiating better terms for the continent in international financing agreements. Dr. Maimbo has been actively engaged in dialogues on Africa’s debt sustainability, trade integration, and climate resilience, making him a candidate well-versed in the broader economic dynamics shaping the continent’s future.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the AfDB Presidency

Support for Dr. Maimbo’s campaign continues to grow steadily, despite the advantages enjoyed by some of his rivals. Unlike other candidates, who have stepped aside from their official roles to focus on the race, Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah remains at the helm of the Arab Bank for Economic Development, raising concerns about the influence and resources he may be leveraging during the campaign. Meanwhile, Senegal’s Amadou Hott – privately endorsed by and regarded as the heir to outgoing President Akinwumi Adesina – also presents a challenge. Yet, Dr. Maimbo’s momentum reflects a strong appetite among African decision-makers for leadership of the AfDB grounded in strengthening governance and diversity and delivering tangible, long-term results.

As the election date draws closer, Dr. Maimbo is intensifying engagements with key African stakeholders, seeking broader consensus on his vision for the bank. His campaign strategy focuses on strengthening alliances with African heads of government, finance ministers, development experts, and key multilateral partners who share his vision of a financially empowered and fast growing Africa.

As Africa’s leadership prepares to deliberate on the bank’s future, the decision will ultimately shape the trajectory of development financing, infrastructure expansion, and economic stability for years to come. Dr. Maimbo’s bid and support from regional blocs represents a call that prioritizes Africa’s long-term interests, accelerates economic growth, and strengthens the continent’s position in the global financial system.