The African Development Bank (AfDB) has begun the process of electing its next president, with five candidates cleared to contest the 29 May 2025 election.

The decision followed a two-day meeting of the Steering Committee of the Board of Governors at the bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The approved candidates according to a statement on its website on Friday, are Mr Hott Amadou from Senegal, Dr Maimbo Munzele from Zambia, Mr Tah Ould from Mauritania, Mr Tolli Mahamat from Chad, and Ms Tshabalala Swazi from South Africa.

The new president will replace Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who has led the bank since 2015, overseeing reforms and navigating economic challenges.

The election outcome is expected to shape the bank’s role in financing development, strengthening infrastructure, and supporting economic growth across Africa.