Missed Opportunity for Zambia: Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo’s AfDB Presidency Bid Falls Short, But Legacy of Hope Endures.

Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) Stands Firm Behind Visionary Economist, Vows to Pursue $1 Billion Zambia 2030 Agenda Despite AfDB Election Loss

By Francis John, Editor-Publisher, TipsNews.info | GMTCA Media Consultant, Kansas City

LUSAKA/LONDON/KANSAS CITY – May 2024 – The African Development Bank (AfDB) has elected a new president, but for Zambia and its global diaspora, the outcome represents a painful missed opportunity. Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, the highly respected economist and Zambia’s candidate, was not selected—despite a formidable endorsement from the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) and widespread belief in his transformative potential.

Freud Musanu; as the ZDCC President based in Kansas City, I stand unshaken in my support for Dr. Maimbo. His leadership would have unlocked unprecedented opportunities for Zambia—jobs, foreign investments, business growth, and development funding—at a time when the nation desperately needs economic revival. While we congratulate the newly elected AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, we cannot ignore the “what could have been” for Zambia.

Why Zambia Lost Big

Dr. Maimbo, a Bonafide Zambian with a sterling global reputation, was more than just a candidate—he was a symbol of Zambia’s rising influence in African finance. His deep expertise in financial systems, diaspora remittances, and development economics made him uniquely qualified to steer the AfDB toward inclusive growth.

Had he won, Zambia would have gained:
✔ Priority access to AfDB funding for infrastructure, agriculture, and SMEs.
✔ Stronger diaspora investment pipelines, leveraging his global networks.
✔ Enhanced credibility to attract multinational corporations and investors.
✔ Youth employment programs aligned with his vision for Africa’s next generation.

Instead, Zambia remains on the sidelines—a harsh reminder of how African geopolitics often sidelines smaller economies in favor of regional powerhouses.

ZDCC’s Unwavering Commitment: The $1 Billion Zambia 2030 Vision

Despite this setback, the Zambia Diaspora Chamber of Commerce (ZDCC) refuses to relent. We stand by Dr. Maimbo’s “epitome of wealth of knowledge” and will continue collaborating with him to advance:
✅ Diaspora-led investments in key sectors (mining, agribusiness, tech).
✅ Policy advocacy for better Zambian representation in global finance.
✅ The $1 Billion Zambia 2030 Economic Transformation Plan—a bold blueprint for prosperity.

“This is not the end—it’s a call to work harder,” says Dr. Maimbo in a private discussion with ZDCC leaders. “Zambia’s time will come.”

A Message to Dr. Maimbo’s Supporters

To the Zambian diaspora, business leaders, and patriots who rallied behind Dr. Maimbo:

• Your belief was not in vain.
• The momentum must not fade.
• The fight for Zambia’s economic sovereignty continues.

We urge you to:
🔹 Stay engaged with ZDCC initiatives.
🔹 Invest back home—every dollar counts.
🔹 Advocate louder for Zambia’s seat at the table.

Looking Ahead: A New Path Forward

The AfDB election may be over, but Zambia’s journey is not. Dr. Maimbo remains a global asset, and his ideas will shape Africa’s financial future—with or without the AfDB title.

“We will redouble our efforts,” declares the ZDCC. “Zambia’s rise is inevitable.”