Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo Unveils Vision for AfDB Presidency at NPN’s ‘Conversations on Africa’s Development’ Event

Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its development journey, brimming with potential for growth and innovation despite complex challenges. This was the central message at the Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN) 2024 Fireside Chat, “Conversations on Africa’s Development,” held on December 17 in Washington, D.C. The event convened thought leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from across the diaspora to explore pathways for advancing Africa’s development through job creation, food security, technology, and sustainable economic growth.

A highlight of the evening was the keynote address by Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, a leading candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB) Presidency. Dr. Maimbo unveiled his ambitious vision for a “Future-Ready Africa” anchored on four key pillars designed to transform the continent’s development landscape.

Dr. Maimbo’s Vision for a Future-Ready Africa

In his powerful address, Dr. Maimbo articulated a transformative agenda for the AfDB, emphasizing the Bank’s role in creating an Africa that is purposeful, process-efficient, partnership-driven, and people-centric. His vision aims to reframe Africa’s position in global development, shifting the narrative from aid dependency to investment-driven growth.

Key Pillars of Dr. Maimbo’s Vision:

1. From Aid to Investment: Transitioning from development conferences on Africa held in donor countries to investor conferences held in African capitals.
2. Private Sector-Centric Approach: Replacing the reliance on 200+ donor agencies with a network of 200 private sector investment hubs and funds.
3. Job Creation & Economic Growth: Creating an Africa where citizens have abundant access to good jobs driven by sustained economic growth.
4. Regional Solidarity: Enabling African countries to provide development aid to one another, fostering regional support and self-sufficiency.

“My vision for the AfDB is of an institution that relentlessly uses its knowledge and funding to support countries in attracting favorable offers from multilateral institutions, governments, philanthropy, and the private sector,” Dr. Maimbo stated. “With a future-ready Africa, we can shift from aid dependence to investment-driven growth and ensure that Africans control their development destiny.”

Insights from Distinguished Speakers

Dr. Maimbo’s vision was complemented by powerful contributions from other notable speakers at the event. Renowned social entrepreneur Ndidi Nwuneli delivered a compelling speech on food security and sustainable job creation in Africa. Her remarks emphasized the role of agribusiness as a catalyst for economic growth and the importance of empowering local food systems to achieve food sovereignty.

Olubankole Wellington (Banky W), a celebrated creative industry leader, focused on the role of the creative economy in Africa’s development. He highlighted the potential of Africa’s creative sector to drive job creation and global cultural influence, underscoring the need for supportive policy frameworks and investments in creative talent.

Recognition of African Excellence

As a gesture of appreciation for their leadership and contributions to Africa’s development, Dr. Samuel Maimbo and Ndidi Nwuneli were presented with the African Leadership Excellence Award by the Nigerian Professionals Network. This honor celebrates their enduring commitment to advancing Africa’s economic, social, and cultural progress.

About the Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN)

The Nigerian Professionals Network (NPN) is dedicated to fostering dialogue, collaboration, and actionable strategies that harness the potential of Africa’s diaspora. By convening industry leaders, policymakers, and change-makers, NPN aims to inspire solutions that drive meaningful impact and strengthen partnerships for a more self-reliant, resilient, and globally competitive Africa.

A Call to Action

With diaspora professionals from the United States, Europe, the UK, and Africa rallying behind Dr. Maimbo’s candidacy for the AfDB Presidency, there is growing confidence that his wealth of experience and clarity of vision make him uniquely suited to lead the institution in 2025. His future-focused agenda promises to align Africa’s local priorities with global trends, unlocking the continent’s full potential and setting it on a trajectory toward sustainable economic transformation.

Contact
www.nigerianprofessionalsnetwork.com