Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala has announced her candidacy for the presidency of the African Development Bank, backed by the South African government. With over 30 years of experience in finance and development, she aims to enhance the bank’s impact through innovative financing and infrastructure initiatives. Tshabalala emphasizes her vision for a resilient AfDB that supports economic opportunities for all Africans as she prepares for the election on May 29, 2025.
Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, the former senior vice president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has declared her candidacy for the presidency of the institution, receiving full backing from the South African government. This endorsement underscores confidence in her leadership capabilities and vision for Africa’s future.
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana praised Tshabalala as an outstanding leader with a strong track record in finance and economic development. He emphasized her extensive experience and potential to guide the AfDB towards enhanced financial resilience and growth, essential for Africa’s economic transformation.
Tshabalala brings over three decades of experience in infrastructure finance and economic development. She has played a significant role in securing capital for Africa’s development challenges, notably leading the AfDB’s financial interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic and introducing innovative funding mechanisms.
In her statement, Tshabalala articulated her ambition to create a strong AfDB with innovative financing solutions to address infrastructure needs across Africa. She stated, “Africa stands at a pivotal moment, and the African Development Bank must rise to meet the continent’s ambitions with bold, strategic action.”
Having joined the AfDB in 2018 and elevated to senior vice president by 2021, Tshabalala resigned in January 2024. Her previous leadership roles at Old Mutual Employee Benefits and Transnet have equipped her with essential experience in executing large-scale infrastructure projects.
Tshabalala views her candidacy as a commitment to fulfilling the AfDB’s mission of transforming lives across Africa. She advocates for infrastructure development as crucial for sustainable economic growth, noting that dependable infrastructure directly contributes to long-term economic vitality.
Tshabalala’s candidacy for the AfDB presidency reflects her extensive experience and commitment to driving economic transformation in Africa. With full support from the South African government, she aims to advance infrastructure development while fostering gender equality and youth empowerment. Her election is scheduled for May 29, 2025, with her vision promising significant impact for the continent.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
