The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government have officially endorsed Dr. Samuel M. Maimbo, a Zambian national, as their candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). This endorsement was announced during the 44th Ordinary SADC Summit, which took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, on August 17, 2024.

Dr. Maimbo was chosen through a rigorous selection process, emerging as the top candidate among seven contenders from the SADC region. His extensive experience in development, financial markets, resource mobilization, and strategic planning made him the preferred choice for this prestigious position.

Currently, Dr. Maimbo serves as the Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank Group, a role he assumed on July 1, 2023. In this capacity, he oversees the World Bank’s annual program budget and ensures that resources are aligned with the institution’s strategic priorities, financial sustainability objectives, and business needs. He also advises the World Bank’s senior management on resource allocation and leads the financial planning and performance review processes.

With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Maimbo has held several key positions within the World Bank, including Chief of Staff to World Bank Presidents and Director of the International Development Association (IDA) Resource Mobilization and International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) Corporate Finance department. His diverse experience spans multiple regions, including South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Europe and Central Asia.

Prior to his tenure at the World Bank, Dr. Maimbo worked as a Bank Inspector at the Bank of Zambia and as an Auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).

SADC member states have been urged to rally behind Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy, highlighting the region’s commitment to securing the AfDB presidency and advancing Africa’s development agenda.