Zambia has formally sought Zimbabwe’s support for its candidate in next year’s African Development Bank (AfDB) presidential elections, according to Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister, Ambassador Frederick Shava.
Speaking after attending the 45th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Executive Council in Accra last week, Minister Shava disclosed that his Zambian counterpart, Mr Mulambo Haimbe, had made the request ahead of the elections scheduled for May 2025.
The AfDB, as Africa’s largest development bank, is instrumental in financing infrastructure projects and economic development initiatives across the continent. Zambia’s early approach highlights the strategic importance of securing regional allies in such significant elections.
“They are the first to approach us, so we have promised them our support. While there may be others in the future, we consider our support for Zambia crucial because they are our neighbour,” said Dr Shava.
In addition to Zambia’s request, Zimbabwe has also received a solicitation from Algeria for its backing in the election of the deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission, also slated for next year.
Dr Shava mentioned discussions with the South Sudanese Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, which included the possibility of a State visit to Zimbabwe by South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit. “I also discussed various issues with the Deputy Minister of South Sudan, including a potential State visit to Zimbabwe by President Salva Kiir and cooperation in education,” he added.
Further engagements with the Algerian Foreign Minister involved discussions on the revival of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation (JPCC) between Zimbabwe and Algeria, which last convened in 2009. Minister Shava noted the importance of this bilateral mechanism and proposed a mid-term review to assess progress, potentially to be held in Harare.
“The Algerian minister requested support for their candidacy for the position of deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission . . . we have also indicated our support for her,” he stated.
The AU Executive Council, as reported by Dr Shava, reviewed the AU’s 2025 budget, which will be presented for adoption at the 38th Ordinary Session Summit of Heads of State and Government in February next year. The summit will be held under the theme “Building a United Front to Advance the Causes of Justice and Reparation for Africa”.
Additionally, Dr Shava highlighted the successful conduct of the Pan-African Parliament Bureau elections held in March 2024, where Zimbabwe’s Chief Fortune Charumbira was elected president.
These developments reflect ongoing diplomatic activities and strategic alliances as African nations prepare for significant elections and cooperative initiatives in the coming years.
