The African Development Bank has initiated the process of selecting its next president by unveiling the candidates competing in the upcoming election on May 29. The announcement followed a meeting at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where the final list of contenders was approved. The approved candidates include individuals from Senegal, Zambia, Mauritania, Chad, and South Africa.
The election will determine the successor to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who has led the institution since 2015. The candidates vying for the position bring diverse backgrounds and visions, promising a competitive election that will shape the future leadership of the bank. The outcome is anticipated to have a significant impact on Africa’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and climate resilience initiatives.
In alignment with its regional goals, the African Development Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting deeper integration across Africa, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area. During a ministerial roundtable in Casablanca, the bank’s Director of Regional Integration emphasized the importance of enhanced economic collaboration for Africa’s advancement. The AfCFTA is seen as a catalyst for a unified market, potentially boosting intra-African trade, industrialization, and job creation.
The ministerial roundtable, facilitated by the African Leadership Organisation, convened African ministers, private sector leaders, and financial partners to deliberate on policy alignment, infrastructure development, and trade facilitation under the AfCFTA framework.