The African Development Bank (AfDB) has released the names of five candidates cleared to contest its upcoming presidential election, set to take place on May 29, 2025. The election will determine the next leader of the AfDB, a key institution driving Africa's economic development and financial stability.

The list includes candidates from Zambia, Mauritania, South Africa, Chad, and Senegal. The candidates were approved by the Bank's Steering Committee after successfully undergoing the necessary evaluation and qualification process. The committee convened on February 11 and 12, 2025, at the Bank's headquarters in Abidjan.

The candidates cleared for the presidential election are Mr. Hott Amadou (Senegal), Dr. Maimbo Munzele (Zambia), Mr. Tah Ould (Mauritania), Mr. Tolli Mahamat (Chad), and Ms. Tshabalala Swazi (South Africa). The election process typically involves several candidates from various African countries, and to win, a candidate must secure at least 50.01% of the total votes of the regional (African) member countries and at least 50.01% of the votes of all member countries (regional and non-regional) of the Bank.

The Board of Governors, comprising representatives from the bank's member countries, plays a crucial role in the election process. They examine the candidatures, clear the candidates, and ultimately elect the president. Powerful regional blocs, such as ECOWAS, SADC, and COMESA, can significantly influence the election outcome, especially when they have a candidate in the running.

The tenure of the current AfDB President, Prof. Akinwumi Adesina, is set to expire in May 2025, and several contenders have emerged, aiming either to build on his legacy or to introduce new leadership directions for the institution. The AfDB president is elected by the Board of Governors for a renewable five-year term.

The election of the next AfDB president is critical, as the institution plays a vital role in driving Africa's economic development and financial stability. The new president will be tasked with addressing the continent's pressing economic challenges, including poverty, inequality, and climate change.

The announcement of the cleared candidates marks a significant milestone in the election process, and the outcome of the election will have far-reaching implications for Africa's economic development and global economic trends.