COMESA Endorses Dr. Maimbo for AfDB Presidency
The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Heads of State and Government have formally endorsed Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo as their candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency.
The endorsement came during the 23rd COMESA Summit held in Bujumbura, Burundi, on October 31, 2024, with a call to all member states to rally behind Dr. Maimbo’s bid for this influential role.
Dr. Maimbo, a Zambian national, has received strong regional support, following an earlier endorsement by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) during their 44th Summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, on August 17, 2024. His candidacy has drawn attention due to his extensive experience in international finance and development, spanning over three decades.
Currently serving as Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank, Dr. Maimbo has led transformative changes in the institution’s business, planning, and budgeting frameworks.
He previously held critical roles as Chief of Staff to World Bank Presidents David Malpass and Ajay Banga and served as Senior Advisor to two World Bank Group Chief Financial Officers.
His background in strategic planning and fiscal management positions him as a formidable candidate to steer the AfDB through a period of significant opportunities and challenges.
The upcoming AfDB Presidential elections are scheduled for May 2025, marking a pivotal moment for the institution as it seeks dynamic leadership to drive sustainable economic growth and development across the continent.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, based in Lusaka, expressed confidence in Dr. Maimbo’s ability to lead the AfDB, emphasizing that his candidacy reflects the growing emphasis on African expertise and unity in tackling the continent’s development goals.
