Who will be the next president of the African Development Bank?

A conversation with the candidates

Thursday, April 24, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EDT 
Online: https://www.brookings.edu/events/who-will-be-the-next-president-of-the-african-development-bank/ 

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a key driver of Africa’s transformation as the continent navigates a unique set of development opportunities and challenges. As the AfDB prepares for leadership transitions, questions abound over how the institution will continue to evolve and address Africa’s most pressing needs. The upcoming selection of the AfDB’s new president presents a defining moment for the continent to shape its future through the strategic vision and priorities of the Bank’s new leadership. 

On Thursday, April 24, the Global Economy and Development program at Brookings will convene a high-level conversation with the AfDB presidential candidates on the sidelines of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings. Each candidate will outline their vision for the Bank’s evolving role, policy priorities, and strategic direction in a conversation moderated by the Vice President of the Global program Brahima Sangafowa Coulibaly. This moderated conversation will feature the five candidates:

•   Amadou Hott (Senegal), former Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation for Senegal
•   Samuel Maimbo (Zambia), former Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank
•   Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania), former Minister of Economy and Finance for Mauritania
•   Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad), former Governor of the Bank of Central African States
•   Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa), former Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank Group

There will be opportunities for audience Q&A. Please submit questions via email at events@brookings.edu or by using the hashtag #NextAfDBpresident on X and Bluesky. For additional information, including media inquiries, please contact GlobalMedia@Brookings.edu.