South African Veteran Announces Candidacy For African Development Bank Presidency

Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, former Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has formally declared her candidacy for the presidency of the institution, setting the stage for a competitive election in May 2025.

Her campaign enjoys the full backing of the South African government, which has lauded her extensive experience and vision for the future of the AfDB.

South Africa’s Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, described Tshabalala as an “exceptional leader” with a proven track record in finance, infrastructure, and economic development.

He emphasised her candidacy as vital for steering the AfDB into a new era of financial resilience and impactful growth, stating that South Africa believes her leadership would significantly enhance the bank’s role in accelerating Africa’s economic transformation.

Tshabalala, who boasts over three decades of experience in infrastructure finance and economic development, brings a wealth of expertise to the race.

Her career highlights include leading the AfDB’s financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic and pioneering innovative funding mechanisms now adopted globally.

She also held senior positions at Old Mutual, Standard Bank Group, and Transnet, showcasing her capabilities in managing large-scale infrastructure projects.

Central to Tshabalala’s platform is a commitment to building a financially strong and agile AfDB that prioritizes infrastructure development.

She envisions leveraging “innovative financing” to overcome the continent’s infrastructure challenges, emphasisng the crucial role of reliable infrastructure—roads, ports, energy systems, and digital networks—in achieving sustainable economic growth.

Her introduction of hybrid capital financing at the AfDB, a method now adopted internationally, serves as a prime example of her innovative approach.

Beyond infrastructure, Tshabalala champions gender equality and youth empowerment, advocating for policies and funding that support women entrepreneurs and young professionals.

This commitment underscores her vision for inclusive and sustainable growth across Africa.

Tshabalala’s candidacy is not merely a pursuit of leadership, she asserts; it is a commitment to realizing the AfDB’s mission of transforming lives across the continent.

The election is scheduled for May 29, 2025, during the Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors in Abidjan. Tshabalala intends to actively engage with stakeholders across Africa and internationally, promoting her vision for a robust and impactful AfDB.