South Africa seeks Kenya’s support for African Development Bank 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 later 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 members 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 up the decade-long reign of the outgoing leader from Nigeria.

Her new vision boldly 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.