For anyone tempted to take Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane’s endorsement of Dr Samuel Maimbo’s candidacy for the Presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB) as given or “natural”, this short but incisive interview would come as a pleasant enlightenment.
Musokotwane is Minister of Finance and National Planning of Zambia, the candidate’s home country and main sponsor. Not only has he had intimate knowledge of the candidate, he has also had the privilege of watching him serve, with distinction, at the top level at the World Bank; giving credence to his testimony.
It is therefore no wonder that Musokotwane unreservedly advocates his compatriot’s qualification and suitability for the strategic Presidency of Africa’s premier development institution. He canvasses support for Dr Maimbo with the gusto and conviction of one who really knows his subject and one ready to stand the strictest of credibility tests on account of his belief in a candidate who already enjoys the support of the two dominant politico-economic blocs on his sub-region.
As a member of AfDB’s Board of Governors, how are you reaching out to other Finance Ministers over Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy?
As a member of the AfDB Board of Governors, I am actively engaging with fellow Governors across the length and breadth of our continent and beyond to advocate for Dr Samuel Maimbo’s candidacy. I’m doing this through engaging in bilateral discussions, targeted communications, and utilising international economic platforms to highlight his credibility, credentials, vision, and the strategic value he would bring to the AfDB. My engagements focus on building consensus around a candidate who not only understands the Bank’s mission but also demonstrates the leadership needed to navigate current development challenges and accelerate transformational change across the continent.
As one of the key facilitators of Dr Samuel Maimbo’s election campaign, what kind of response are you getting in terms of support for his candidacy from the regional and non-regional AfDB stakeholders?
Many regional and non-regional stakeholders appreciate Dr Maimbo’s expertise in African development finance and resource mobilisation and his longstanding work across the African continent and within multilateral institutions like the World Bank. Many stakeholders recognize his track record for leading large organisations and delivering outcomes, such as his stewardship which secured the record-breaking International Development Association replenishment of $93 billion, where 70% of the global commitments were earmarked for Africa. Support for Dr. Maimbo from regional and non-regional member countries has been highly encouraging, as demonstrated by the endorsements of his candidacy by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), following a competitive process among several candidates in those regions.
Understandably, some countries continue to engage in discussions to gather information about the candidates, evaluate their core priorities, and observe the dynamics within the continent before pledging their support. What we have seen is that this thoroughness and scrutiny have served Dr Maimbo well because he has so many strong ideas, practical solutions, and the right experience and values to deliver for our continent. The positive feedback and support for Dr Maimbo’s candidacy continue to gain traction, as countries appreciate and value Dr Maimbo’s international financial track record, team-spirit, core priorities for the AfDB, and his commitment to institutional excellence, transparency, integrity, and diversity.
AfDB is a structured institution; do you see Maimbo inventing his own wheel by designing appropriate institutional frameworks to steer the Bank towards financial innovation and Africa’s transformation?
Dr Maimbo aims to strengthen AfDB and bolster its core strengths so it can fully serve its rightful role as the premier development institution for the continent. He will strengthen governance structures, increasing both the transparency and impact of programmes funded; invest in the key enablers of economic growth: regional integration, infrastructure, energy, and the digital economy; and invest in priority growth sectors like agriculture. He will also optimise the Bank’s delivery model to make it more efficient and responsive to what is needed to unlock growth from the private sector and spearhead a new era of partnerships with governments and other multilateral development banks(MDBs) to scale up innovative instruments like green bonds, co-financing deals, and continental carbon credits.
What, in your view, distinguishes Dr Maimbo from the other candidates?
Dr Maimbo stands out for his focus on implementation and delivering results, a principle he has demonstrated throughout his 30-year career in international development finance and resource mobilisation. He understands that Africa’s development stands at a crossroads and that the institution must leverage its expertise, on-the-ground presence, and staff to support governments with the change they want to see – now.
Dr Maimbo has long established himself as a ‘doer’ – someone who will identify pragmatic, realistic solutions and get them done efficiently and effectively. This is the most critical attribute which the AfDB needs in order to make significant progress in the short term so that our continent develops and advances in the coming years.
What drives your confidence that Maimbo will win the race against other outstanding candidates?
Dr Maimbo’s core policies for boosting Africa’s development and prosperity have resonated well across the continent and beyond. There is a growing consensus that Africa must shift away from outdated and inefficient development models and focus on systems and processes that better support governments and provide meaningful opportunities for their people. His leadership in making finance work for Africa and commitment to institutional excellence for the AfDB puts him in a leading position to become the next President of the AfDB. I have been pleased to observe the level of robust debate in these elections and witness first-hand Dr Maimbo’s vision, integrity and expertise shine through. He will serve Africa well.
