Following Sidi Ould Tah’s visit to Mauritania in October 2024 and Abass Tolli’s trip to Chad last February, Samuel Munzele Maimbo is now set to visit Lomé as part of his campaign for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). The Zambian economist, who currently serves as Vice President of the World Bank, met with President Faure Gnassingbé on Thursday, March 20.
His goal is to share his vision and secure Togo’s support, a nation he views as a benchmark for regional integration.
Lomé plays a crucial role in the diplomatic landscape
In this pivotal election, every endorsement is vital. For Maimbo, Togo is not merely a vote in the AfDB’s electoral college; it is a key player capable of fostering a unified African consensus.
“Togo is outperforming many other African economies in various aspects. Economic growth remains robust, debt levels are well-managed, inflation is relatively low, and significant investments have been made in infrastructure,” he stated in an exclusive interview with Togo First following his discussions with Togolese officials.
See more: Integration of the demographic dividend into the budget: Togo wants to intensify its actions
Maimbo’s visit coincides with Lomé’s emergence as a vital hub for AfDB candidates, as noted by a member of his campaign team. With its balanced diplomatic approach and increasing influence, Togo is regarded as an essential mediator, capable of reconciling diverse viewpoints on the continental stage.
The Port of Lomé: A Beacon of Regional Integration
Beyond the realm of electoral politics, a Zambian economist views Togo as a model for African economic integration. He emphasized the pivotal role of the Port of Lomé, which serves a purpose that transcends national boundaries.
“The port of Lomé stands as one of the country’s most significant assets. It is not merely vital infrastructure for Togo; it functions as a crucial economic center for the entire region,” he remarked.
He believes that this logistics hub exemplifies the critical role of infrastructure in fostering a cohesive African market.
“Trade is essential for Africa’s growth. A continental market cannot be established through an abundance of conferences and speeches. It requires the development of roads, pipelines, ports, and trade corridors. Togo has recognized this: investing in infrastructure is not just for its own advancement but also for the prosperity of the entire region,” he asserted.
A Competitive Race for the AfDB Presidency
With backing from SADC and COMESA, Samuel Munzele Maimbo faces formidable rivals. Senegal’s Amadou Hott, Chad’s Abass Tolli, former BEAC governor, Sidi Ould Tah, head of BADEA, and former AfDB Senior Vice President Tshabalala are all actively seeking support in an election where 40% of the votes come from non-African nations and 60% from African countries, with Nigeria currently in the lead.
Through this visit, Maimbo aims to showcase his candidacy as one rooted in pragmatism and action. “If elected president of the AfDB, I intend to promote initiatives like this across the continent. African integration demands tangible, structural, and sustainable projects. Togo exemplifies successful strategies, and we must leverage these achievements to expedite the continent’s development,” he concluded.
As the election date (May 29, 2025) approaches, Lomé remains a focal point for diplomatic discussions. It remains to be seen which direction Togolese diplomacy will take in this crucial election, which holds significant implications for the future of development financing in Africa.
