AfDB Presidential Election Process Underway Ahead of May 29 Vote
Prof. Nmehielle Calls It “One of the Most Democratic Processes” in Global Finance
With the tenure of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina nearing its conclusion after a decade of transformative leadership, the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is poised to elect its next President during its Annual Meetings today May 29, 2025.
Prof. Vincent O. Nmehielle, Secretary-General of the AfDB, emphasized the institution’s robust and democratic election process during a briefing at the ongoing Annual Meetings in Abidjan.
“The African Development Bank has one of the most democratic processes in electing the President,” said Prof. Nmehielle. “It is a member-states driven process that ensures transparency and credibility through a rigorous double majority requirement.”
The process commenced in July 2024 with the call for nominations, culminating in a shortlist of vetted candidates released in February 2025. To be elected, a candidate must secure 50.01% of the total voting power from all member countries and an equal percentage from regional (African) members — a structure known as the double majority.
The term of the current president concludes on August 31, 2025, allowing a three-month transition for the newly elected leader, who will assume office on September 1.
Reflecting on nearly a decade of service, Prof. Nmehielle highlighted his top takeaways: impact-driven development, commitment to corporate governance, and the shared dedication among colleagues to Africa’s progress.
This year’s Annual Meetings, themed “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development”, come amid shrinking multilateral aid and global geopolitical shifts. Prof. Nmehielle noted that these changes compel African institutions to look inward and mobilize domestic resources for sustainable growth.
Looking ahead, the 2026 Annual Meetings will be hosted by Congo-Brazzaville, with future hosts beyond 2028 to be determined at the final session of the current five-year cycle in Niger.
