Amadou Hott Unveils Vision for Transformational Leadership at AfDB

During a high-profile debate hosted by the Brookings Institution, where all five candidates for the AfDB presidency presented their visions, Mr. Hott emerged as a compelling contender.

Amadou Hott, former Vice President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and former Minister of Economy, Planning and Cooperation of Senegal, has officially articulated his bold and future-focused vision for leading the AfDB as its next President. His candidacy, which has garnered significant attention across the continent and internationally, represents a departure from “business as usual” and sets the tone for a reinvigorated African financial institution that meets the needs of a rapidly evolving global and continental landscape.

During a high-profile debate hosted by the Brookings Institution, where all five candidates for the AfDB presidency presented their visions, Mr. Hott emerged as a compelling contender. His ability to bridge technical expertise, institutional memory, and geopolitical acumen was on full display, as he outlined a pragmatic yet transformative agenda aimed at tackling Africa’s most urgent developmental priorities.

A Grounded and Ambitious Vision for Africa

Mr. Hott’s platform is anchored in a deep understanding of Africa’s structural challenges and an unwavering commitment to empowering the continent to achieve self-reliance. At the core of his agenda are five strategic focus areas:

1. Private Sector Development – Recognizing the central role of private enterprise in creating sustainable jobs and driving economic diversification, Mr. Hott aims to drastically enhance the AfDB’s support to the private sector. His leadership would prioritize access to finance, regulatory reforms, and de-risking mechanisms to catalyze private investments.

2. Youth and Women Employment – With Africa’s population projected to double by 2050, Mr. Hott is committed to job creation with a strong focus on youth and women. He proposes targeted vocational training, digital skills development, and entrepreneurship support as critical levers of empowerment.

3. Universal Access to Energy – Mr. Hott calls for accelerated investment in reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity—acknowledging that power is the backbone of industrialization and modern economies. He plans to scale up renewable energy solutions while also supporting regional energy interconnectivity.

4. Quality Education and Health Systems – The former minister advocates for human capital development as the bedrock of Africa’s transformation. His agenda includes strategic investments in quality education, health infrastructure, and pandemic resilience, with an emphasis on inclusive access.

5. Climate-Smart Industrialization – Acknowledging the climate crisis, Mr. Hott proposes a new era of green industrialization. He envisions regional value chains that are climate-resilient and environmentally responsible, supporting the transition to sustainable economies while maximizing Africa’s vast natural and human resources.

Modernizing the Bank for a New Era

A key pillar of Mr. Hott’s strategy is the modernization of the African Development Bank itself. He proposes a digital transformation of the institution’s operations, streamlining project implementation and delivery timelines, and ensuring greater transparency and accountability. His commitment to operational efficiency includes the promotion of knowledge transfer, capacity-building, and technical assistance through strategic partnerships.

Notably, Mr. Hott’s reformist approach places special emphasis on domestic resource mobilization. He stresses the importance of helping African governments improve their fiscal systems, broaden their tax bases, and develop robust local capital markets. By doing so, the AfDB would play a pivotal role in reinforcing financial sovereignty and resilience across the continent.

Institutional Legacy and Global Engagement

What sets Amadou Hott apart is his extensive and unique relationship with the African Development Bank itself. He is the only candidate in the race who has served at the highest executive levels within the institution—including as Vice President, Special Envoy to the President, and Governor representing Senegal. His tenure at AfDB saw him spearhead strategic initiatives, unlock financing for major infrastructure projects, and deepen the Bank’s engagement with both private and public stakeholders.

Mr. Hott also brings a robust global profile. He has represented Africa on the world stage at key forums including the G7, G20, and high-level United Nations panels, offering him a nuanced understanding of global finance, diplomacy, and policy coordination. This rare blend of internal insight and international experience positions him as a leader who can deliver from day one.

Africa at an Inflection Point

In his public addresses, Mr. Hott argues that Africa stands at a historic inflection point—caught between enormous potential and persistent systemic constraints. He believes the next AfDB President must possess the courage to disrupt outdated models and build new pathways to prosperity.

The debate hosted by the Brookings Institution (available for viewing here) confirmed Mr. Hott’s stature as a frontrunner. His responses demonstrated a clear grasp of macroeconomic dynamics, institutional reform, and sustainable development priorities. Analysts and observers noted his clarity of vision and his ability to synthesize complex challenges into actionable policy directions.

 A President for a New African Century

Amadou Hott’s candidacy represents a call to action for a new African century—one in which the AfDB becomes not just a lender, but a true enabler of transformation. His proposed reforms, emphasis on self-reliance, and unshakable belief in Africa’s potential resonate strongly with leaders, policymakers, and citizens alike.

Should he be elected, Mr. Hott promises to transform the Bank into a results-driven, inclusive, and forward-looking institution that meets the needs of a continent striving for resilience, innovation, and economic justice.