In a pivotal moment for African financial governance, South Africa has nominated Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala as its candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Scheduled for May 2025, the election has already drawn considerable attention. Countries across the continent are deliberating over the leadership that will guide the premier financial institution into the future. Tshabalala’s bid for the presidency has placed Kenya at the center of her diplomatic efforts, as she seeks the East African country’s crucial support to secure her position.
Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala: A Distinguished Career in Finance
Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala brings over three decades of experience in finance, corporate governance, and leadership to her candidacy. Her journey began in South Africa, where she held pivotal roles in major financial institutions such as Old Mutual Employee Benefits and Standard Bank Group. At Transnet SOC, she advanced through multiple key positions, including Deputy Treasury Manager, Treasury Manager, and General Manager for Corporate Services.
Tshabalala’s tenure at Transnet is particularly noteworthy. She transformed Portnet into the Transnet National Ports Authority, overseeing operations across South Africa’s eight commercial ports. From 2006 to 2014, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Industrial Development Group, focusing on sectors such as petroleum, mineral resources, energy, and property.
In 2018, Tshabalala joined the African Development Bank as Vice President for Finance and Chief Finance Officer. Her expertise and leadership were quickly recognized, leading to her promotion as Senior Vice President in November 2021. During her tenure, she spearheaded initiatives that enhanced the bank’s financial sustainability, regional integration, and infrastructure development.
Vision for the African Development Bank
Tshabalala’s vision for the AfDB focuses on three core pillars:
- Continuity: Building upon the progress made under the leadership of outgoing President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
- Innovation: Leveraging technology and innovative financial models to accelerate Africa’s growth.
- Inclusion: Ensuring that no African nation or community is left behind in the bank’s development initiatives.
Her extensive experience within the AfDB equips her with a profound understanding of the institution’s operations and challenges. She states, “Africa’s future hinges on continuity, innovation, and inclusion. Having risen through the ranks of the AfDB, I offer more than experience—I bring a leader’s vision to turn bold ideas into transformative action for our continent.”
Engaging Kenya: A Strategic Move
Recognizing Kenya’s influential role within the AfDB, Tshabalala has prioritized engaging its leadership. Over the weekend, she met with Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, and other senior officials. These discussions revolved around her vision for the AfDB and the strategic partnership she hopes to forge with Kenya.
Kenya is a founding member and a key shareholder of the AfDB. Its endorsement would significantly bolster Tshabalala’s candidacy, not only due to Kenya’s financial contributions but also because of its reputation as a leader in regional diplomacy and development. Her outreach underscores the importance of building coalitions across diverse African nations to ensure her vision resonates continent-wide.
The Election Landscape
The 2025 AfDB presidential election is set to be one of the most competitive in recent history. Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the current president from Nigeria, will conclude his transformative decade-long leadership in September 2025. His tenure has been marked by significant progress in agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, making the AfDB a cornerstone of Africa’s development strategy.
The election process is governed by the AfDB’s Board of Governors, which comprises representatives from its 81 member states. Candidates must secure a dual majority, meaning they need the majority support of both regional (African) and non-regional (non-African) members. This requirement underscores the importance of candidates demonstrating their ability to balance continental priorities with global partnerships.
Competing Candidates
Tshabalala is among five candidates vying for the presidency, with the official list released in February 2025. Her competitors include:
- Amadou Hott (Senegal): A former AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, and Climate Change.
- Samuel Munzele Maimbo (Zambia): A renowned financial expert and former executive at the World Bank.
- Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania): The current President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA).
- Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad): The former Governor of the Bank of Central African States (BEAC).
As the only female candidate, Tshabalala’s bid is historic. Her candidacy highlights the increasing recognition of women’s leadership in Africa’s financial and development institutions. She asserts, “Leadership is not about gender; it’s about vision, competence, and the courage to transform Africa’s financial future.”
South Africa’s Endorsement and Regional Dynamics
The South African government formally endorsed Tshabalala’s candidacy in August 2024. However, regional dynamics within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have introduced complexities. While SADC initially supported a different candidate, South Africa’s decision to back Tshabalala demonstrates its confidence in her leadership capabilities.
Tshabalala has addressed these challenges head-on, emphasizing her commitment to the AfDB’s mission and her readiness to navigate the intricacies of regional and continental politics.
The Importance of Kenya’s Support
Kenya’s role in the AfDB presidency election cannot be overstated. As a key shareholder and an influential member of the East African Community, Kenya’s endorsement carries significant weight. Beyond political support, Kenya’s alignment with Tshabalala’s vision for the AfDB could pave the way for collaborative initiatives that address pressing regional challenges such as infrastructure deficits, climate change, and youth unemployment.
The Road Ahead
As the election date approaches, Tshabalala’s campaign will focus on engaging with stakeholders across Africa and beyond. Her strategy involves articulating a vision that resonates with both African nations and international partners, emphasizing the AfDB’s role as a catalyst for sustainable development.
Her experience, combined with her ability to navigate the complexities of the AfDB’s governance structure, positions her as a strong contender. However, the ultimate decision will depend on her ability to build consensus among member states and demonstrate her capacity to lead the institution through its next chapter.
Conclusion
The 2025 AfDB presidential election is a defining moment for the institution and the continent. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala’s candidacy represents a blend of continuity, innovation, and inclusion, offering a vision that seeks to build on past achievements while addressing emerging challenges.
Kenya’s role in this process will be critical, as its support could influence the outcome of the election and shape the future of the AfDB. As Africa looks to chart a path toward sustainable development, the leadership of its premier financial institution will play a pivotal role in determining the continent’s trajectory.
With Tshabalala’s extensive experience and clear vision, the AfDB presidency election promises to be a closely watched event, with implications that will reverberate across Africa and beyond.
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FAQs
Who is Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala?
Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala is a South African finance expert with over three decades of experience. She currently serves as the Senior Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and is a candidate for its presidency in 2025.
What is her vision for the AfDB?
Her vision focuses on continuity, innovation, and inclusion, aiming to build on past achievements while addressing emerging challenges across Africa.
Why is Kenya’s support important for Tshabalala’s candidacy?
Kenya is a key shareholder in the AfDB and a leader in regional diplomacy. Its endorsement would strengthen Tshabalala’s bid by demonstrating regional unity and support.
What are the election requirements for AfDB’s presidency?
Candidates must secure a dual majority, meaning they need the support of both regional (African) and non-regional (non-African) member states.
Who are Tshabalala’s competitors?
Her main competitors include Amadou Hott (Senegal), Samuel Munzele Maimbo (Zambia), Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania), and Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad).
When will the election take place?
The election is scheduled for May 2025.
What has been Tshabalala’s role in the AfDB so far?
Since joining in 2018, she has served as Vice President for Finance, Chief Finance Officer, and currently as Senior Vice President. She has focused on enhancing the bank’s financial sustainability and infrastructure development.
How is the AfDB’s presidency election governed?
The election is overseen by the AfDB’s Board of Governors, consisting of representatives from its 81 member states, who vote to select the president.
