Governors of African Development Bank (AfDB) will hold its presidential election as part of its annual meeting in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

The election marks the end of Dr Akinwumi Adesina's two-term presidency tenure which ends in September 2025.

This election comes at a time where the bank is battling some financial challenges, including a proposed $55 million reduction in US contributions to the bank and its affiliate, the African Development Fund (ADF).

This reduction in US contributions is projected to potentially impact the bank's operations and development initiatives across the continent.

In a farewell speech during a meeting on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Dr Adesina gave an account of his 10-year stay at the helm of Africa’s premier development finance institution.

In his address, he underscored the need for the continent to attain the level of self-sufficiency.

“This is no longer a time to depend on fragments of foreign aid. Africa must unlock its own resources in human, financial, natural and build internal value chains that drive inclusive growth,” he said.

Five candidates are in the race for the presidency to emerge as the leader of the bank.

The election involves a double-majority voting system with candidates required to secure at least 50.01% of the votes from both the 54 African member states and the broader 81-member group, including non-African stakeholders.

List of candidates in the race for AfDB's presidency

Amadou Hott (Senegal) – Former Minister of Economy and Finance.

Samuel Munzele Maimbo (Zambia) – World Bank Vice President.

Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania) – Former AfDB Vice President.

Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad) – Experienced in regional finance.

Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa) – Former AfDB Senior Vice President.

The newly elected president is expected to be sworn in on Monday, September 1, 2025.

SP/VPO

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