Dr. Samuel Maimbo Arrives in Ethiopia for AU Summit Amid Intense AfDB Race
Zambia’s African Development Bank (AfDB) presidential hopeful, Dr. Samuel Maimbo, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ahead of a crucial week at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) and the 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, taking place from February 12 to 16, 2025.
Dr. Maimbo is one of five contenders vying for the prestigious AfDB presidency. His competitors include South Africa’s Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, Senegal’s Amadou Hott, Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah, and Chad’s Mahamat Abaas Tolli. The race is expected to be a complex diplomatic contest, with candidates engaging in strategic lobbying and regional negotiations.
The AfDB presidency is a highly influential position, responsible for guiding Africa’s financial policies, driving economic transformation, and addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, infrastructure development, and regional integration.
The AU Summit, held under the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” will focus on reparatory justice and racial healing. This theme was agreed upon by the Heads of State and Government during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly in February 2023. The discussions will emphasize the ongoing pursuit of justice and equity for Africans and the African diaspora.
The Ethiopian Government Communication Services confirmed that Ethiopia is fully prepared to host over 15,000 delegates. As the headquarters of the AU, Ethiopia plays a crucial role in Pan-Africanism and has a rich history of hosting key continental meetings.
Dr. Maimbo’s presence at the summit is seen as a strategic move in his campaign for the AfDB presidency, as he seeks to garner support from African leaders and policymakers. His candidacy underscores Zambia’s growing influence in continental financial and economic affairs.
