Dr. Samuel Maimbo’s AfDB Bid: Lessons in Regional Unity and Strategic Leadership

Final Thoughts By Ceaser Siwale (31.05.2025)

The recently concluded election for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB) saw Zambia’s Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo mount a determined and commendable campaign, ultimately concluding with the victory of Mauritania’s Dr. Sidi Ould Tah. While Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy was backed by impressive technocratic experience and innovative reform proposals, the election result has prompted important reflections on the dynamics of regional unity, geopolitical alliances, and institutional leadership in Africa.

Dr. Maimbo’s extensive career at the World Bank established him as a formidable candidate, respected globally for his expertise in financial inclusion, regulatory reform, and institutional strengthening. His vision for the AfDB included decentralising operations and deepening partnerships with African governments, which resonated strongly among reform-minded stakeholders. His roles as former Chief of Staff and Vice President for Budget at the World Bank, positions rarely occupied by Africans, significantly highlighted his capacity for leadership and institutional governance within one of the largest international financial institutions.

Regional dynamics played a crucial role in the election outcome. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) notably allowed multiple candidates from its region—Zambia’s Dr. Maimbo and South Africa’s Swazi Tshabalala—to enter the race simultaneously, fragmenting what could have been a united front. This critical misstep contrasted sharply with the cohesive support enjoyed by Dr. Sidi from the Arab-African bloc, illustrating vividly how regional unity translates into significant geopolitical leverage.

Indeed, the unified Arab-African support behind Dr. Sidi highlights a strategic model that other African regions must study closely. The Arab bloc’s cohesion was not merely political; it was underpinned by extensive economic ties across Sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing infrastructure, energy, and agriculture, which involved sovereign wealth funds, public-private partnerships, and strategic bilateral agreements. This robust economic diplomacy significantly amplified their political leverage within the AfDB electoral framework.

For SADC, this outcome represents a valuable but stern lesson in collective strategy and alliance-building. The fragmented regional vote signals an urgent need for Southern Africa to strengthen its coordination, develop strategic unity, and more effectively harness regional interests for continental influence. Maimbo’s campaign, characterised by dignity and professionalism, underscored the potential impact SADC could achieve with a more cohesive approach.

Despite the electoral defeat, Dr. Maimbo’s campaign made significant contributions to the discourse on African institutional reform and governance, elevating crucial issues such as inclusivity, operational decentralisation, and grassroots accountability. His campaign, which resonated with many across the continent, is already seen as an inspiration for future leaders and campaigns.

While Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo did not secure the presidency of the AfDB, his spirited campaign provided critical insights into the essential components of successful leadership bids—executive experience, regional unity, and geopolitical strategy. His endeavour has not only set a standard of excellence but also paved the way forward for Southern African diplomacy and continental governance.