Zambia’s candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency, Samuel Maimbo, met with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo Friday, April 4, 2025, to seek strategic advice and strengthen diplomatic ties.
“I came here as a candidate for the presidency of the AfDB,” Maimbo told reporters after the meeting.
“The visit to Mozambique was important for two reasons. One, I came home. I worked in Mozambique before and it is always a pleasure.”
Maimbo presented his vision for the bank, emphasising strategic investments in high-impact economic sectors.
“The vision I have for the AfDB is fully aligned with the vision for Mozambique’s development, which focuses on ensuring that the economy grows rapidly,” Maimbo said.
The Zambian economist, who previously met with officials from France, Japan, Morocco and the United Kingdom, also delivered a message from Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
Maimbo faces competition from candidates from Senegal, Chad, Mauritania and South Africa in the May 29 election.
African countries control 60 percent of the vote, with non-African nations holding the remainder.
The Southern African Development Community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa have endorsed Maimbo’s candidacy.
By Charles Mangwiro, AfricaBrief