FINANCE and National Planning Minister Dr Situmbeko Musokotwane is leading a high-level delegation to Ivory Coast to mobilise support for Zambia’s candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency, Dr Samuel Maimbo.
The election for the AfDB president is scheduled for Thursday, May 29, 2025.Five candidates — from South Africa, Senegal, Zambia, Chad, and Mauritania — are contesting to replace outgoing president Akinwumi Adesina, who completes his second and final term in September.
While in Abidjan, the delegation will hold bilateral talks with various development partners and rally backing for Dr Maimbo from COMESA, SADC, and other regional blocs.
Dr Maimbo is also set to engage in a pre-election dialogue with member states and fellow candidates.
From front
“In recent months, we have traversed the continent and beyond promoting Dr Maimbo’s candidacy. We remain optimistic that member states, non-regional members, and stakeholders will entrust him with this critical leadership role,” Dr Musokotwane stated.
Beyond the election, the Zambian delegation will participate in AfDB statutory meetings, bilateral engagements, and investment discussions aimed at strengthening partnerships in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and private sector development.
Dr Musokotwane emphasised that Zambia’s participation at the 2025 AfDB Annual Meetings is crucial for fostering development cooperation, sharing best practices, and showcasing the country’s potential as a prime investment destination.
The Minister is accompanied by Secretary to the Treasury Felix Nkulukusa, Bank of Zambia Governor Dr Denny Kalyalya, and Zambia’s Ambassador to Ghana (also accredited to Ivory Coast), Daniel Mahongo.
