By Saminu Garba
As Africa stands at the cusp of a defining decade where the decisions made today will shape the continent’s economic architecture for generations leadership in its key financial institutions becomes not just a matter of representation, but of vision, credibility, and competence. In this context, Nigeria has every reason strategic, economic, and moral to support Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Dr. Maimbo, a Zambian national, brings to the fore over two decades of experience in international development finance, including senior roles at the World Bank, where he has served as Director for Fragility, Conflict and Violence, and most recently, Chief of Staff to the President. His career has consistently centered on Africa’s structural transformation, with a deep understanding of the unique fiscal, infrastructural, and institutional needs of African countries.
His commitment to regional integration, local content development, and inclusive economic growth aligns with Nigeria’s core foreign policy priorities. In a time when Africa is recalibrating its place in global supply chains and financial systems, Maimbo offers a steady hand and a progressive blueprint rooted in accountability and reform.
Nigeria, as the largest shareholder in the AfDB after the host country Côte d’Ivoire, must view this leadership transition through a strategic lens. The AfDB is not a ceremonial platform; it is the continent’s premier financial engine, driving infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and social investment across member states.
A Maimbo presidency would enhance Nigeria’s regional and financial diplomacy in several key ways like the support for Fragile States and Regional Security. Dr. Maimbo has led global thinking on development in fragile and conflict-affected states—a critical issue for Nigeria, given its regional role in stabilizing the Lake Chad Basin, Sahel, and ECOWAS neighbourhood. His leadership would ensure that AfDB policies are sensitive to the peace-development nexus Nigeria champions. Maimbo is an advocate for crowding in private capital for public good. His track record suggests a commitment to catalytic finance, exactly what Nigeria needs as it mobilizes private investment under the Renewed Hope economic agenda.
At a time when global financial institutions are under pressure to be more inclusive and responsive, Maimbo represents a new generation of African reformers who combine technocratic rigour with a grounded understanding of African challenges. Nigeria should align with such leadership to shape continental financial governance.
Maimbo’s orientation toward pan-African solidarity and South-South collaboration mirrors Nigeria’s vision for a multipolar, equitable international system. His tenure would further entrench Africa’s voice in global financial debates, from debt restructuring to climate financing.
Backing Dr. Maimbo is also a matter of Nigeria reinforcing its diplomatic credibility. At a time when alliances are shifting, and emerging powers are reshaping multilateral development institutions, Nigeria must show consistency in supporting credible African leadership. Supporting Maimbo is not about regional or linguistic politics; it is about competence and continuity.
Nigeria’s support for Samuel Maimbo would send a powerful message: that the continent’s largest economy backs a new era of African financial sovereignty, institutional reform, and pragmatic leadership. It would demonstrate Nigeria’s maturity in prioritizing substance over sentiment and affirm its rightful place as a driver of Africa’s collective future.
In Dr. Maimbo, Nigeria has not just an ally but an opportunity to advance a vision of Africa that is bold, bankable, and built for Africans.
Saminu Garba is an public commentator he writes from Abuja, Nigeria.