Tshabalala bids for AfDB presidency

Swazi Tshabalala, the presidential candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) from South Africa, is gearing up for the upcoming election on May 29th. Tshabalala is set to compete against four other candidates, including Samuel Maimbo from Zambia, Mahamat Tolli from Chad, Amadou Hott from Senegal, and Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Tshabalala outlined her vision for the AfDB and the reforms she believes are necessary to propel the institution forward. Tshabalala, with a background that spans both the private and public sectors, as well as development finance, emphasized the need for bold reforms within the AfDB. She highlighted the importance of transparency, efficiency, impact, and governance as key areas that require attention. One of the key points Tshabalala emphasized was the need for increased efficiency within the AfDB. Drawing from her experience as a former vice president of the bank, she stressed the importance of accelerating project delivery and enhancing the bank's focus on impactful interventions. Tshabalala aims to work closely with countries to improve their project implementation units and bolster their capacity to execute projects effectively. Transparency was another critical aspect of Tshabalala's vision for the AfDB. She called for greater transparency both internally within the institution and in the implementation of projects. Tshabalala believes that clear performance indicators and transparent evaluation processes can maximize the talent within the organization and drive better outcomes. In terms of impact, Tshabalala underscored the importance of prioritizing investment in regional integrated infrastructure in Africa. With a focus on stimulating growth through industrialization and addressing the continent's infrastructure gaps, she highlighted the need for a strategic approach to project selection and implementation. Governance was also a key focus area for Tshabalala, who advocated for improved policies and procedures to facilitate faster and more impactful delivery. She emphasized the need for enhanced governance frameworks across decision-making processes, capital deployment, and project implementation within the bank. As Tshabalala continues her campaign across Africa and beyond, she remains confident in her manifesto and the value proposition she brings to the role. With the support of the South African government and positive responses from stakeholders, Tshabalala is optimistic about her chances in the upcoming election. With a clear vision for bold reforms and a commitment to driving positive change within the AfDB, Swazi Tshabalala stands poised to lead the institution towards a more transparent, efficient, and impactful future.