Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala Declares Candidacy for AfDB Presidency

Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala has announced her candidacy for the African Development Bank presidency, fully supported by the South African government. With over 30 years of experience in finance and infrastructure, she aims to drive economic growth and development across the continent. The election will take place on May 29, 2025, where she intends to present her strategies for an impact-driven AfDB.

Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, the former senior vice president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has officially declared her candidacy for the presidency of the institution. Her bid is fully endorsed by the South African government, reflecting confidence in her capacity for leadership and her vision for the continent’s future. According to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, Tshabalala’s impressive track record in finance and economic development makes her an excellent candidate to lead the AfDB into a new era focused on financial resilience and impactful growth.

With over 30 years of expertise in infrastructure finance and economic development, Tshabalala has been instrumental in mobilizing capital for the continent’s urgent development needs. She notably led the AfDB’s financial response during the COVID-19 pandemic and pioneered innovative funding mechanisms that have gained international recognition. Her candidacy emphasizes a commitment to an agile AfDB prioritizing infrastructure development and economic opportunities for Africa.

In her statement, Tshabalala articulated her vision for a financially robust AfDB that delivers innovative solutions to infrastructure challenges in Africa. “Africa stands at a pivotal moment, and the African Development Bank must rise to meet the continent’s ambitions with bold, strategic action,” she stated. Her vision includes expanding partnerships and ensuring that investments yield lasting impacts on African nations and their citizens.

Tshabalala joined the AfDB in 2018, quickly advancing to senior vice president by 2021 until her resignation in January 2024. Prior to her tenure at the AfDB, she held prominent leadership positions at Old Mutual Employee Benefits and Standard Bank Group, where she gained significant expertise in managing major infrastructure projects. Her time as CEO of the Industrial Development Group from 2006 to 2014 further illustrates her capability to drive investment across key sectors in Africa.

She aims to prioritize infrastructure development as a central focus of her presidency, asserting that reliable infrastructure is crucial for sustainable economic growth. Tshabalala draws on her experience at Transnet, emphasizing that strategic infrastructure initiatives can greatly enhance long-term economic activities. Furthermore, her introduction of hybrid capital financing at the AfDB showcases her innovative thinking, allowing multilateral banks to attract private investments while maintaining financial stability.

Beyond infrastructure, she advocates for gender equality and youth empowerment as integral parts of the AfDB’s operational strategy. As a leading African woman, Tshabalala is committed to ensuring that policies and funding cultivate opportunities for women entrepreneurs, young professionals, and small businesses, promoting inclusive growth across the continent.

The election for the next President of the African Development Bank is set for May 29, 2025, during the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Abidjan. Tshabalala is poised to engage actively with stakeholders across Africa and beyond, sharing her vision for an impact-driven AfDB that serves as a pivotal engine for sustainable growth.

Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala has announced her candidacy for the presidency of the African Development Bank, backed by the South African government. Her extensive experience in finance and infrastructure positions her as a strong candidate prepared to lead the institution toward innovative solutions for Africa’s development needs. The upcoming election in May 2025 will be an opportunity for Tshabalala to share her vision for a resilient and impactful AfDB.

Original Source: www.arise.tv