Redefining Leadership at the AfDB: What Makes an Ideal President?

Opinioned By Ceaser Siwale (penned 28 May 2025)

As the African Development Bank (AfDB) prepares to elect its new president on 29 May 2025, the stakes have never been higher. The AfDB stands at a critical juncture, navigating complex financial headwinds, geopolitical dynamics, and the pressing need for impactful development across Africa’s diverse landscape. The institution’s leadership demands an individual who embodies financial acumen, strategic foresight, diplomatic tact, and a profound understanding of Africa’s nuanced realities.

The tenure of outgoing President Akinwumi Adesina has been marked by significant achievements, as well as mixed results. Under his leadership, the AfDB supported projects that impacted the lives of over 515 million people. However, challenges remain, notably in fully realising ambitious goals in energy access, industrialisation, and food security. Despite robust financial health and a strengthened AAA rating, the bank faces criticism for being overly cautious and inadequately addressing essential infrastructure projects and integration efforts.

Recent discussions and whispered deals on the eve of the election highlight the complexity and diplomatic nature of the AfDB presidential race. Five prominent candidates are contesting: Senegal’s Amadou Hott, South Africa’s Swazi Tshabalala, Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo, Chad’s Mahamat Abbas Tolli, and Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah. Each candidate brings unique strengths, strategic backing, and diplomatic alignments, making this election highly unpredictable.

Recent years have also underscored vulnerabilities within AfDB’s governance structures, such as blurred lines between executive management and the board, and compromised transparency in recruitment. The ideal next president must prioritise restoring transparency, clear governance protocols, and ensuring meritocracy guides the institution.

Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, one of the leading candidates, exemplifies the calibre required for this critical role. His extensive experience at the World Bank, managing substantial budgets and strategic planning, positions him to address the AfDB’s financial challenges effectively. Given recent non-sovereign loan impairments and rising administrative costs, his expertise in budgetary efficiency and risk management is particularly valuable.

Furthermore, addressing fragility with context-sensitive, politically aware strategies is essential, especially for the 20 countries classified as transition states by the AfDB. Dr. Maimbo’s pledge to ensure that “no nation—whether small, large, or fragile—is left behind” aligns closely with calls for more nuanced political economy analyses and long-term governance reforms.

Geopolitically, the bank faces challenges such as reduced financial support from traditional donors like the U.S., emphasizing the urgency of selecting a leader skilled in diplomatic and financial mobilization. The AfDB must diversify its funding sources, an area where Dr. Maimbo’s successful track record with global donors during his tenure at the World Bank could prove decisive.

Internally, enhancing the capabilities of Task Managers through streamlined processes and stronger regional hubs is crucial for improved project outcomes and responsiveness. Additionally, the next AfDB president must champion emerging sectors such as tourism, creative industries, renewable energy, and agribusiness to drive sustainable development and employment.

This election is about selecting a visionary leader who understands Africa’s complexities, appreciates the delicate interplay of global economics, and prioritizes transparent, inclusive governance. The incoming president must safeguard the AfDB’s financial stability, enhance its operational effectiveness, and position it as a transformative growth catalyst across Africa.

As shareholders cast their votes, strategic foresight and a deep commitment to the continent’s future must guide their decision. The outcome of this election will significantly influence Africa’s trajectory over the coming decade.