Africa-Press – Mozambique. Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo last Friday (04-04) met the candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Samuel Munzele Maimbo, from Zambia. During the meeting, the head of state reaffirmed Mozambique’s commitment to the continent’s progress and offered strategic advice to Maimbo’s candidacy.
The Zambian economist, in turn, highlighted the country’s importance in regional integration and praised President Chapo’s commitment to promoting a new generation of African leadership focused on economic development.
Speaking to the press after the audience, Samuel Maimbo began by highlighting the symbolic and personal importance of his visit to the country. “I am here as a candidate for the African Development Bank. The visit to Mozambique was important for two reasons. One, I came home. I worked in Mozambique before and it is always a pleasure to come back to Mozambique,” he said.
In addition to revisiting Mozambique, Maimbo explained that his presence also had an institutional and diplomatic character, on behalf of the President of Zambia. “Secondly, I was here on behalf of our president, President [Hakainde] Hichilema, to convey a message of goodwill to the President of Mozambique, Chapo, and to strengthen the relationship between Zambia and Mozambique.”
During the meeting, the candidate presented to President Chapo the main axes of his vision for the AfDB, which align with Mozambique’s development priorities. “Thirdly, to explain the vision that I have for the African Development Bank, which is fully aligned with Mozambique’s vision for development, which focuses on ensuring that the economy grows rapidly.”
Maimbo stressed the importance of strategic investments in sectors with a high impact on economic and social growth. “So, my commitment as president of the African Development Bank is to ensure that we are making investments in infrastructure, agriculture and trade, all of which Mozambique is well positioned for.”
With a positive assessment of Mozambique’s potential, the economist stressed that the country has unique advantages in the region. “It is very well positioned and has potential that my own country, Zambia, does not have. It has three ports, which provide an opportunity to develop corridors in agriculture, in investments that make a difference to the economy. But Mozambique’s greatest potential is the Mozambicans.”
Along the same lines, he emphasized the central role of energy in the process of economic and regional transformation. “Let me emphasize the importance of energy. Energy and ensuring that Mozambique invests in energy hubs in the region.”
Maimbo also recalled that Mozambique played a vital role in supporting Zambia during a recent energy crisis. “My own country went through a devastating downturn. We only survived because we were able to import fuel and resources from Mozambique, especially through Beira. So my commitment and my optimism for Mozambique is very strong.”
The candidate for the presidency of the AfDB referred to the personal impact of the meeting with the President of the Republic, considering it very important because he was impressed by Mozambique’s commitment to the development of the African continent.
Finally, he stressed that the current generation has the responsibility to ensure economic freedom, continuing the legacy of leaders such as President Samora Machel, who fought for political freedom. He also added that he received valuable, friendly and firm advice from President Chapo, which he intends to take with him in his campaign to become the next president of the African Development Bank.
Last Friday, I was honored to spend time in Mozambique with H.E. President Daniel Chapo, Minister of Finance Carla Louveira, and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Maria Manuela dos Santos Lucas.
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