Senegalese technocrat running for AfDB presidency

Amadou Hott from Senegal has declared his candidacy to lead the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Before joining the Senegalese government, the former minister had held several positions within the prestigious financial institution that he now wishes to lead.

Former Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation of Senegal, Amadou Hott has declared his candidacy to lead the African Development Bank (AfDB). Until now Special Envoy of the president of this pan-African financial institution for the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa (AGIA), he resigned from this position to devote himself to his objective of succeeding the Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina, in accordance with the rules of the AfDB.

“This decision is motivated by my intention to run for the presidency of the African Development Bank, which could create a conflict with my current role at the Bank,” Mr. Hott justified in an AfDB press release published Wednesday. The former Senegalese minister went on to praise AfDB President Adesina’s “exceptional visionary leadership” in establishing AGIA. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to resource mobilization for the Alliance, which is “on track to reach financial close with US$280 million.”

After leaving the government of Senegal under former President Macky Sall, Amadou Hott returned to the AfDB, where he was appointed in December 2022 as President Adesina’s Special Envoy to lead resource mobilisation for AGIA. The mission’s objective is to support Africa’s transition to net-zero emissions by investing in green infrastructure.

Mr. Hott also has experience leading missions for the bank related to electricity, energy, green growth, and climate change.

“As Special Envoy for AGIA, Amadou Hott has forged effective global partnerships that have helped mobilise significant financial commitments to the alliance. I thank him for his exemplary work and service to the African Development Bank and AGIA,” Akinwumi Adesina said.

ODL/Sf/ac/fss/as/APA