Who will be the next president of the African Development Bank?

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a key driver of Africa’s transformation as the continent navigates a unique set of development opportunities and challenges. As the AfDB prepares for leadership transitions, questions abound over how the institution will continue to evolve and address Africa’s most pressing needs. The upcoming selection of the AfDB’s new president presents a defining moment for the continent to shape its future through the strategic vision and priorities of the Bank’s new leadership. 

On Thursday, April 24, the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings convened a high-level conversation with the AfDB presidential candidates on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings. Each candidate outlined their vision for the Bank’s evolving role, policy priorities, and strategic direction in a conversation moderated by Vice President of the Global program Brahima Sangafowa Coulibaly. The five candidates are: 

• Amadou Hott (Senegal), former Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation for Senegal
  
• Samuel Maimbo (Zambia), Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank
  
• Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania), former President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa
  
• Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad), former Minister of Finance and Budget of Chad
  
• Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa), former Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank Group
  

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