The Tonse Alliance has expressed disappointment over Zambia’s unsuccessful bid to secure the Managing Director position at the African Development Bank (AfDB).
In a statement released to the media, Alliance Spokesperson and Patriots for Economic Progress (PEP) President, Sean Tembo, blamed what he described as poor judgment and weak diplomacy by the UPND government for the failed outcome.
Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, Zambia’s candidate, garnered only 20 percent of the vote in the election held yesterday—losing to the Mauritanian candidate, who secured a commanding 76 percent.
Mr. Tembo stated that while Dr. Maimbo was academically qualified, he lacked the high-level experience of his competitors, many of whom were former finance ministers or central bank governors.
He also criticized the government’s inability to unify the region, pointing out that South Africa’s decision to field its own candidate split the Sub-Saharan vote, ultimately weakening Zambia’s chances. The Tonse Alliance believes Zambia would have stood a better chance had a more experienced figure—such as former Finance Minister Dr. Bwalya Ng’andu—been selected as the candidate.
