South Africa Seeks Kenya’s Backing For AfDB Presidency

South Africa is seeking Kenya’s support to lead the African Development Bank (AfDB) when elections are held next month. Ms Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, the AfDB’s former Senior Vice President, is vying for the bank’s top job at its Governing Council meeting in May.

Over the weekend, accompanied by Ms. Ayanda Dlodlo, SA’s Special Envoy, she met Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi and senior officials of his Ministry, to officially seek Kenya’s nod, as part of her intense lobbying across Africa. An ex-staffer under President Dr Akinwumi Adesina, her candidacy seeks to build upon the decade-long reign of the outgoing leader from Nigeria.

Her new vision states that, “Africa’s future hinges on three pillars: continuity to build on progress, innovation to accelerate growth, and inclusion to leave no one behind. Having risen through the ranks of the AfDB, I offer more than experience — I bring a leader’s vision to turn bold ideas into transformative action for our continent.”

Last August, South Africa endorsed her candidature, and as the only female candidate, she will battle it out against four others for the position of President,

Ms Tshabalala, with over 30 years of experience in finance, joined AfDB, Africa’s premier financial institution, in 2018 as Vice President for Finance and Chief Finance Officer and was appointed as Senior VP in November 2021.

“Leadership is not about gender — it’s about vision, competence, and the courage to transform Africa’s financial future. My three decades of experience and proven track record at the AfDB position me as a candidate and the right leader to steer this institution toward greater impact.

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