Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala has announced her candidacy for the president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), receiving support from the South African government. With over 30 years of experience in finance and infrastructure, she aims to enhance the AfDB’s role in Africa’s economic transformation. Tshabalala emphasizes innovative financing and advocates for gender equality and youth empowerment as core tenets of her vision.
Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, the former senior vice president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has announced her candidacy for the presidency of the institution, backed by the South African government. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana expressed confidence in her leadership capabilities, emphasizing her successful track record in finance, infrastructure, and economic development. Godongwana stated, “Her extensive experience at the African Development Bank and beyond makes her the ideal candidate to lead the institution into a new era of financial resilience and impact-driven growth.”
With more than 30 years of experience, Tshabalala has been instrumental in mobilizing capital to address Africa’s development challenges. She played a vital role in the AfDB’s financial response during the COVID-19 pandemic and has pioneered innovative funding mechanisms that are now being adopted globally. Her candidacy underscores a commitment to advancing infrastructure and economic opportunities across the continent.
Tshabalala articulated her vision for the AfDB, focusing on innovative financing to tackle infrastructure challenges. 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.” Emphasizing the importance of creating a financially sound institution, she aims to implement solutions that produce lasting impacts for African nations.
Having joined the AfDB in 2018 and ascended to the senior vice president position by 2021, Tshabalala has a robust background in managing significant infrastructure projects at institutions such as Old Mutual Employee Benefits, Standard Bank Group, and Transnet. Her leadership of the Industrial Development Group from 2006 to 2014 showcased her ability to foster investment in key sectors.
Tshabalala regards her candidacy as a commitment to realizing the AfDB’s mission of transforming lives across Africa, with infrastructure as a central focus. She believes that reliable infrastructure is essential for sustainable economic growth. Drawing from her experience at Transnet, she aims to propel economic activity through strategic infrastructure initiatives.
Her introduction of hybrid capital financing at the AfDB is a reflection of her innovative approach, enabling multilateral development banks to attract private sector investment and maintain financial stability. Tshabalala’s strategic vision involves expanding these hybrid instruments to enhance the AfDB’s funding capacity for transformative projects.
Furthermore, Tshabalala advocates for gender equality and youth empowerment in the AfDB’s foundational strategy. As a prominent African woman, she is committed to ensuring that policies and funding prioritize opportunities for women, young professionals, and small enterprises, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth across the continent.
The election for the next President of the AfDB is set for May 29, 2025, during the Board of Governors’ Annual Meeting in Abidjan. Tshabalala is expected to actively engage with stakeholders throughout Africa and globally, promoting her vision for a financially resilient and impact-oriented AfDB, viewed as essential for sustainable development.
Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala’s candidacy for the presidency of the African Development Bank marks a significant moment for the institution and the continent. With extensive experience in finance and a focus on infrastructure, she is poised to lead the AfDB towards greater economic impact and resilience. Tshabalala’s vision emphasizes innovative financing, gender equality, and youth empowerment, ensuring inclusive growth for Africa’s future.
Original Source: www.arise.tv
