Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is also the SADC chairperson, has endorsed the candidature of Dr Samuel Munzele Maimbo to the position of the Presidency of the African Development Bank.
President Mnangagwa made the endorsement at a meeting held on the sidelines of the Africa Union summitt this Saturday evening in Addis Ababa.
President Mnangagwa said the new leadership of the continent’s lremier development finance institution is being sought at a time when the world and the continent are facing numerous challenges but equally, greater possibilities and opportunities.
“It is an honour and privilege to present to you today in my capacity as the chairperson of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Dr Samuel Munzele Maimbo for the position of president of the African Development Bank group,” said President Mnangagwa.
“In the wake to of the dire impact of climate change, the need to consolidate sustainable agriculture and food systems across our countries, enhance energy access, expand climate smart infrastructure, as well as deepen financial innovation remain critical areas for our development bank going into the future,” said President Mnangagwa.
He further highlighted the key role that the AfDB plays in Africa’s economic affairs.
“The African Development Bank remains a corner stone institution for economic development, regional integration and poverty eradication in Africa. We are confident that Dr Maimbo’s wealth of experience and deep understanding of Africa’s financial landscape positions him as a suitable candidate to steer the AfDB towards greater impact and relevance in meeting the aspirations of the African people.”
The launch of Dr Maimbo’s bid for the AFDB presidency was also endorsed by COMESA.
COMESA secretary general, Chileshe Mpundu Kapwepwe, who spoke on behalf of the COMESA chairperson, Burundian President Evariste Ndaishimiye said they are in full support of Dr Maimbo’s candidature.
The aspiring candidate says he is ready to take over the reigns and ensure the bank operates efficiently and serves the needs of its members.
“Africa needs a bank that is solely focused on efficiency because Africa can not wait anymore. Investing in traditional sectors like agriculture is key. We must invest in trade. If we are not trading with each other, we can not develop in the dark, and neither can we develop when our infrastructure is weak,” said Dr Maimbo.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, who also attended the launch, concurred with the SADC and COMESA chairpersons on the importance of the AFDB in African development.
He said following the endorsement by COMESA and SADC, the Zambian candidate is in a good space for the running of the AfDB presidency.
The candidate who wins the presidency race will be taking over from Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who has served the institution for 10 years and concluded his term of office in May this year.
Eight candidates are vying for the position.
The candidates are from countries that include Chad, Algeria and Senegal.
