As the term of Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), nears its conclusion in May 2025, a heated race has emerged for the prestigious position, with several high-profile contenders signaling their intentions to succeed him.
Adesina, who has led the AfDB since 2015, is widely credited with revitalizing the institution and steering it toward greater investments in infrastructure, climate resilience, and poverty reduction. His leadership was reaffirmed in 2020 with a second term, and his tenure is now set to end in just a few months. The AfDB plays a vital role in financing large-scale development projects across Africa, providing loans and grants to governments, and fostering private sector growth.
The race for the presidency has sparked considerable interest, with candidates from various regions vying for the position. The upcoming election will be a crucial moment for the AfDB, as the new president will face the challenge of navigating the continent’s post-pandemic recovery, addressing growing climate challenges, and continuing to drive economic integration across Africa.
Leading Contenders for the AfDB Presidency
Several prominent African leaders have already thrown their hats into the ring, each with varying degrees of regional support:
Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad) has emerged as one of the frontrunners, with strong endorsements from the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (CEMAC) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS). Tolli’s candidacy is gaining traction in Central Africa, where he is seen as a representative of the region’s growing influence within the Bank.
Albert Zeufack (Cameroon), currently the World Bank’s Country Director for Angola, Burundi, and other African nations, has also signaled his intention to run. However, his campaign faces challenges, including a lack of unified support from Cameroon’s government and competition from Tolli within CEMAC.
Rabah Arezki (Algeria), the former AfDB Chief Economist, brings extensive experience in economic governance, having served in senior roles at both the AfDB and the World Bank. His candidacy is poised to resonate with those seeking a candidate with a robust background in macroeconomic policy.
Amadou Hott (Senegal), who has long been a key figure in Africa’s development initiatives, has garnered significant support from his home country. Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is among his most vocal supporters, positioning him as a strong West African candidate.
Samuel Munzele Maimbo (Zambia), a senior figure at the World Bank, has received backing from Southern Africa and is seen as a potential unifying force. However, his candidacy has divided opinion within the Southern African Development Community (SADC), where countries are split on who should lead the AfDB.
Ousmane Kane (Mauritania), a former AfDB Vice President, is being supported by Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould El Ghazouani. His experience within the Bank positions him as a seasoned candidate, focused on sustainable development and inclusive growth.
Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa), AfDB’s Senior Vice President, represents a formidable challenge, with South Africa strongly backing her candidacy. Her track record in finance and leadership within the Bank places her as a strong contender, though her support is not universal across SADC.
Romuald Wadagni (Benin), the country’s Minister of Economy and Finance, is gaining traction with strong backing from his government. His candidacy reflects Benin’s increasing influence within the Bank, with Wadagni promoting an agenda focused on economic diversification and African self-reliance.
The race for the African Development Bank presidency is shaped by regional blocs like ECOWAS, SADC, and CEMAC, with national interests sometimes conflicting with regional preferences. Despite its role in Africa’s development, the AfDB faces criticism, especially from French-speaking countries, over perceived bias toward Anglophone Africa.
The election, set for May 29, 2025, in Abidjan, will require candidates to gain broad support while addressing challenges such as COVID-19’s economic impact, climate change, and regional integration. Adesina’s legacy will weigh heavily on his successor, who must navigate these pressing issues.