Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, a presidential candidate for the African Development Bank (AfDB), shared his perspectives on effective negotiation strategies and his vision for the bank’s future during an interview on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Dr. Maimbo emphasized the significance of starting negotiations from a position of value rather than getting caught up in legal formalities.
“By beginning from a point of value, you can highlight the benefits of collaboration and find areas of mutual agreement. For instance, cutting tariffs by 50% could boost trade volumes by 150%. This approach fosters trust and momentum, making it easier to handle the formalities and bureaucratic processes that typically follow,” he explained.
He also presented his three-step framework for tackling complex challenges that demand substantial resources. First, he stressed utilizing the institution’s own resources and balance sheet.
Second, he highlighted the importance of forming partnerships with the private sector to provide seed funding and support infrastructure development. Finally, he emphasized prioritizing strategic investments, even in challenging circumstances, to maximize impact.
