Photo: MICHELE SPATARI/AFP/Getty Images
When every year is labeled “momentous” or “game-changing,” it can feel somewhat hysterical, but for Africa, 2025 is likely to truly stand out as a pivotal year—particularly in leadership transitions.
Three of what are arguably Africa’s largest institutions—the African Union (AU), African Development Bank (AfDB), and African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank)—will all elect new leaders in 2025, under processes that are increasingly transparent, engaging both African citizens and the global community.
The AU Commission follows a regional rotational leadership system to guarantee equitable regional representation. In 2025, East Africa is vying for the chairperson position, while North Africa will nominate the deputy chairperson.
The AU chairperson race features H.E. Raila Odinga (Kenya), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf (Djibouti), and H.E. Richard Randriamandrato (Madagascar). At the Mjadala Afrika Leadership Debate, held on December 13, 2024, the three candidates presented their vision for leading Africa’s transformation through the implementation of the AU mandate and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
H.E. Randriamandrato emphasized economic resilience and regional diplomacy, stressing reducing foreign influence on the continent. H.E. Odinga urged for deeper economic integration and robust infrastructure development, while also noting that adequate African inclusion at the United Nations is long overdue. H.E. Youssouf prioritized regional cooperation, strengthening low political will among member states and homegrown solutions to enhance Africa’s global standing.
All three candidates have been actively touring various capitals, rallying support for their bids. Meanwhile, the leading contenders for the deputy chairperson position—H.E. Selma Malika Haddadi (Algeria) and Dr. Hanan Morsy (Egypt)—have been doing the same, and they made presentations during open sessions organized by their respective countries in Addis Ababa.
Africa’s financial institutions are also preparing for leadership transitions. While Afreximbank has yet to announce candidates, the AfDB presidency race is already competitive, with at least eight contenders known to be vying for the position. Regional blocs and voting shares play a significant role, and this year’s contest is expected to be particularly competitive. For instance, the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) has already thrown its support behind Abbas Mahamat Tolli of Chad, while South Africa has deviated from the Southern African Development Community (SADC)’s tradition of unified voting by endorsing Ms. Swazi Tshabalala over the bloc’s preferred candidate, Dr. Samuel Maimbo.
The short answer is yes—these leaders matter to African lives—potentially as much as if not more than the influence of national leaders. While national leadership transitions impact individual countries, the AU Commission, AfDB, and Afreximbank leaders shape Africa-wide policies that influence regional stability, economic development, and Africa’s financial stability.
The AU chairperson drives economic policies, regional integration, and security measures. Recent successes include, for instance, the endorsed UN Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2719, which ensures sustainable funding for AU-led peace support operations, and which could well have implications for how conflicts in Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and beyond are addressed in the near future. Effective AU leadership is also crucial for strengthening regulations around investment on the continent and eliminating barriers to the movement of people and goods across borders—which affect the lives of countless Africans on a day-to-day basis.
Similarly and equally, the AfDB and Afreximbank are both crucial in financing infrastructure, industrialization, and climate resilience. Under the leadership of the current AfDB president, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the Desert to Power initiative, a major solar energy project focused on the Sahel region, was launched. At the same time, the bank secured a landmark capital increase, raising its general capital from $93 billion to $318 billion—the largest increase since the bank’s establishment in 1964. Under Prof. Benedict Oramah’s leadership, Afreximbank launched the $3 billion Pandemic Trade Impact Mitigation Facility and the $10 billion Counter-Cyclical Trade Liquidity Facility, stabilizing African economies and crisis responses while the rest of the world looked away.
In many ways, the new leaders will matter now more than ever beyond Africa. These institutions serve as the strategic nerve center for Africa’s engagement in global development discourse, championing African causes and strengthening Africa’s position worldwide.
The AU’s recent admission as a permanent G20 member marks a historic milestone, giving Africa direct influence over global economic and climate policies. Meanwhile, the continent continues advocating for two permanent UNSC seats, arguing that Africa’s 1.4 billion people deserve fair representation. Moreover, the AU has boldly set reparative justice as its theme for 2025, which will complement many African and international perspectives on debt relief, especially in the Pope’s “Jubilee” year.
Moreover, African financial institutions are expanding their global influence. The AfDB has attracted over $180 billion in investments since 2018, while Afreximbank’s Prof. Oramah has been a champion of the new Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions, enhancing collaboration among African financial entities, with a view to not only driving down the cost of capital within the continent but also engaging internationally to do the same.
As backroom and public diplomacy intensifies in the lead-up to these elections, when voting, African leaders must prioritize candidates who are skilled mobilizers, possess a deep understanding of geopolitical dynamics, and have a clear strategic vision for the continent’s development. The next generation of leadership must be committed to promoting pan-African ideals, advancing regional integration, and fostering cross-border collaboration by harmonizing policies and resolving disputes. Sustainability must also be a key focus, with leaders addressing climate vulnerabilities, inequalities, and resilience-building while ensuring Africa’s voice is stronger on the global stage. Equally crucial is a commitment to gender equality, youth empowerment, and greater opportunities for marginalized communities, ensuring inclusive growth and long-term progress.
Salim Lone, former spokesperson for Raila Odinga, has described the AU chairperson elections as a “potentially transformative exercise,” emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and leadership that serves collective African interests. His reflections extend beyond the AU to the AfDB and Afreximbank, underscoring the pivotal role of governance in shaping Africa’s future. These leadership transitions are more than procedural—they present a rare opportunity to reimagine Africa’s trajectory as a unified, resilient, and globally influential force. With capable and visionary leaders at the helm, including more women, these institutions can drive transformative change, advancing Africa’s self-determination and strengthening its place on the world stage.
That’s why Africans should watch these elections closely and express their views, while the rest of the world should also watch with interest, albeit with noninterference.
Hannah Wanjie Ryder is a senior associate with the Africa Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., and CEO of Development Reimagined. Teta Mukulira is a policy analyst with Development Reimagined’s decolonizing development team, is based in Kenya, and has a background in law and policy.
