Africa-Press – Botswana. Zambia is seeking support from Botswana for the upcoming presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
A delegation from Zambia paid a courtesy call on President Advocate Duma Boko at the Office of the President and delivered a formal letter from President Dr Hakainde Hichilema, requesting President Boko’s endorsement of Dr Samuel Maimbo for the AfDB presidency.
Dr Maimbo has already received endorsements from both the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), organisations to which Zambia is a member.
Accepting the request President Boko said Botswana served as a second home to many Zambians. He confirmed that he had discussed the candidacy with Dr Hichilema and warmly welcomed the Zambian delegation.
“We have spoken, engaged, and addressed some challenges in relation to certain events that occurred,” President Boko said.
He emphasised that the relationship between Botswana and Zambia was poised to grow stronger, particularly within the broader context of SADC and the African Union.
The Zambian head of delegation, former Vice President Mr Enock Kavindele, expressed gratitude to President Boko for accommodating the delegation on short notice. He took the opportunity to congratulate President Boko on his victory in the previous year’s general elections, noting that Botswana exemplified true democracy on a global stage.
Mr Kavindele highlighted that Dr Maimbo was not just a Zambian candidate, but also represented the interests of SADC and COMESA. He assured President Boko that Dr Maimbo was the right person for the role, citing his development-oriented approach. “You will have an ally and a colleague,” he added.
Dr Maimbo spoke about his first meeting with President Boko during an African Union gathering, recalling how a poem recited by Boko resonated with him throughout his campaign. He stated that the poem encapsulated three central themes he advocated for: the necessity of young leadership, the acknowledgment of the continent’s challenges amidst global change, and the imperative of addressing Africa’s socio-economic development.
He emphasised the importance of unity among nations in achieving political independence, arguing that Zambia’s freedom was intrinsically linked to the liberty of other countries in the region. Dr Maimbo called for an urgent focus on agriculture, noting that Africa, with 60 per cent of the world’s arable land must address food security to sustain its population.
“My commitment is to collaborate closely with heads of state and finance ministers, ensuring that this is Africa’s time for change,” he said, reiterating the need to prioritise development issues.
The AfDB presidency elections are slated for May 29. ENDS
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