HICHILEMA, MNANGAGWA COME TOGETHER
…Campaign For Dr Maimbo
President Hakainde Hichilema and President Emmerson Mnangagwa has come together share a platform and shock hands in Ethiopia at a media briefing for the AfDB campaign election endorsement.
There are reports that the two do not enjoy cordial relationship. However, the two looked beyond the perceived if any differences and shared the same platform to endorse the candidature of Dr Samuel Maimbo who is running for the AfDB presidency position.
Dr Maimbo has received endorsement from SADC and COMESA for election scheduled for May this year.
As Chairman for SADC President Mnangagwa announced at a media briefing that the Southern Africa bloc has endorsed Dr. Maimbo’s candidature.
COMESA Chairman who is also President of the Republic of Brundi affirmed the endorsement of the Central African Trade bloc of Dr Maimbo.
Dr Maimbo who joined the three Heads of State said he was humbled by the endorsement. He said he will use his vast experience and double his expertise to advance the Africa financial position and among other things help investment in energy.
President Hichilema who gave a vote of thanks said on behalf of Zambians he was greatful to the two Presidents and the technical group for the work so fat done in advancing Dr. Maimbo”s candidature. He said work had just begun and called the campaign to be solidified in Southern Africa and be taken to Central, West and North Africa. He said Dr. Maimbo had gone through a serious vetting and has the expertise for the role.
President Hichilema also urged Dr. Maimbo that he should realize that he owes his presidency once elected to the Presidents of countries and Citizens who would have helped him get elected.
Later President Hichilema issued this statement on this development:
It was a great honor to co-host a press briefing today in Addis Ababa alongside His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and Chairperson of SADC, and His Excellency Mr. Évariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and Chairperson of COMESA. The briefing formally introduced the candidature of Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo for the position of President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Dr. Maimbo brings with him nearly 30 years of extensive experience in development finance and resource mobilization. In his most recent role as Vice President for Budget, Performance Review, and Strategic Planning at the World Bank, he managed the institution’s expansive budget portfolio. His tenure as Chief of Staff to successive World Bank presidents has also equipped him with the strategic leadership and expertise necessary to steer the AfDB towards a new era of sustainable development and financial innovation.
Dr. Maimbo is now the official candidate endorsed by both SADC and COMESA. In this regard, we extend our sincere appreciation to Their Excellencies President Mnangagwa and President Ndayishimiye for their unwavering support in advancing his candidacy. Their ratification of Dr Maimbo, underscores the collective vision of SADC, COMESA and indeed the rest of Africa, in promoting strong leadership at the helm of the continent’s foremost financial institution.
Hakainde Hichilema,
President of the Republic of Zambia.
HICHILEMA, MNANGAGWA COME TOGETHER
…Campaign For Dr Maimbo
