The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Zambia to the United Nations in New York recently organised a breakfast event aimed at lobbying support for the candidacy of Zambia’s Dr Samuel Munzele Maimbo for presidency of the African Development Bank.
Speaking at the event held on the side-lines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, foreign affairs and international cooperation minister Honourable Mulambo Haimbe noted that for Africa and non-Africa members of the AfDB to derive the much-desired benefits, its next president should have vast experience in resource mobilisation and a wide network with other financial institutions. He said Dr Maimbo, who is the sole candidate endorsed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), has vast experience with high financial and development institutions of reputable expertise that will greatly contribute to the leadership of the AfDB.
Dr Maimbo has served for over 21 years at the World Bank and is currently the Vice President responsible for Budget, Performance Review and Strategic Planning.
And Dr Maimbo said he is fully committed to working and partnering with other regional bodies.
In a vote of thanks, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Permanent Secretary (IR&C), Ms Etambuyu Gundersen said Dr Maimbo was the sole candidate officially adopted at the SADC Summit in August. She said Zambia firmly stands behind Dr Maimbo’s candidature and believes that given his excellent professional track record in financing international development, he will transform the AfDB for the benefit of all its member countries. The election is scheduled for May 2025.