In a statement released on Friday, the AfDB confirmed that the list of candidates was finalized after a two-day meeting of the steering committee of the board of governors held at the bank's headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
“The Steering Committee, after examining the candidatures, cleared the following list of candidates for the office of the President of the AfDB during the next election to be held on May 29,” stated the AfDB.
The candidates are Hott Amadou from Senegal, Maimbo Munzele from Zambia, Tah Ould from Mauritania, Tolli Mahamat from Chad, and Tshabalala Swazi from South Africa.
The winner of this election will take over from Akinwumi Adesina, who has held the presidency of the AfDB since 2015.
He is the first Nigerian to serve as president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He was elected for a five-year term in September 2015. Prior to his presidency, he served as Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture from 2011 until his appointment at AfDB.
In 2013, he was recognized as Forbes Africa Person of the Year for his significant reforms in the agricultural sector.
In an interview with Arise Television on February 10, Adesina shared his future aspirations, indicating his readiness to serve in any role after his term at the bank ends.
He referred to himself as a mere instrument of God, committed to improving lives and transforming communities.
“There’s nothing else that makes me happy than seeing lives of people transform. That is what gives me satisfaction,” he remarked.
Adesina also reiterated his dedication to service, expressing his eagerness to contribute in any role, whether on a global scale, throughout Africa, or specifically in Nigeria.
Amadou Hott is a candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank in 2025, bringing over 25 years of expertise in economic policy, development finance, and investment banking.
He holds degrees in applied mathematics, economics, and financial markets. Hott previously served as Senegal's Minister of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, he represented the African Union at the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bankers meetings in Indonesia.
Maimbo Samuel Munzele hails from Zambia and possesses over thirty years of experience in development finance and resource mobilization.
He has held the position of Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank, where he was responsible for maintaining fiscal discipline in managing an operational budget of US$5 billion.
Throughout his 23-year career at the World Bank, Dr. Maimbo has served as Chief of Staff to various presidents and has occupied numerous influential roles.
He holds a PhD in Public Administration Banking, an MBA in Finance, and a Bachelor's degree in Accounting
.Tah Sidi Ould Na from Mauritania served as the Minister of Economy and Finance as well as the Minister of Economic Affairs and Development for the country from 2008 to 2015.
He also held the position of Advisor to both the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of Mauritania from 2006 to 2008.
Tah holds a PhD in Economics and has completed executive programs in Investment, Leadership, Asset Management, and Financial Engineering.
He is proficient in Arabic, French, and English, and has knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese.
Prior to his government roles, Tah worked for the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development.
Tolli Abbas Mahamat from Chad is running for the presidency of the African Development Bank.
He held the position of Secretary of State for Chad from 2005 to 2008, followed by his role as Minister of Finance. Subsequently, he served as the Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment from 2011 to 2012.
He has also been the Secretary General of the Banking Commission of Central Africa.
In 2015, he was appointed as the President of the Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC), and in 2017, he was designated as the governor of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC).
Tshabalala Bajabulile Swazi, hailing from South Africa, is vying for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
With over thirty years of experience in the financial and banking sectors, she stands out as the sole female candidate on the list for the AfDB presidency.
Currently serving as the Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank, she is deeply committed to addressing women's issues.
Her candidacy is backed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has endorsed her as their representative.