Nigeria, May 27 -- As the AfDB elects its next president, the real question isn't who inspires - but who has the experience in building what Africa now urgently needs.

As the African Development Bank (AfDB) prepares to elect its next president, the election comes at a defining moment. The question is no longer whether Africa can transform. The question is: Who will build the institutional engine to make that transformation real - and resilient?

This is not a ceremonial election. It is a consequential test of vision, credibility, and execution. The next AfDB president must be a steward of transformation and must align the continent's financing needs with a rapidly shifting global economic order.

Five candidates are vying for the role. E...