. Chikwanda
By JAMES KUNDA –
FINANCE Minister Alexander Chikwanda has assumed the role of chairperson of the African Development Bank (ADB) board of governors for the period 2015 to 2016.
Meanwhile, Zambia will next year host the annual meeting of the ADB in Lusaka.
Mr Chikwanda took office during the just-ended annual meeting and 50th anniversary of the ADB in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
This is according to a statement released yesterday by Ministry of Finance public relations officer Chileshe Kandeta.
“Zambia has tremendous experience in hosting international meetings and we do hope our nationals will work hard to ensure that the 2016 annual meeting of the ADB is a resounding success,” said Mr Chikwanda on next year’s event.
Zambia last hosted the ADB annual meeting in 1973, which was also the first time.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Akinwumi Adesina has been elected eighth president of the ABD replacing Donald Kaberuka.
Mr Chikwanda described the new ADB Head as a worthy successor of Dr Kaberuka owing to his rich professional and academic qualifications.
Mr Chikwanda’s delegation to Abidjan returns home today and included Secretary to the Treasury Fredson Yamba, Bank of Zambia Governor Denny Kalyalya along with other senior Treasury officials.
