KIGALI - Dr. Donald Kaberuka, Rwanda’s former Finance Minister and current African Development Bank (AfDB) President, is set to be elected president of the prestigious continental institution for a second five-year term.

Foreign Minister Louise Mushikiwabo broke the news to Rwandan diplomats gathered in a retreat in Kigali.

She noted that Dr. Kaberuka "is capable and has got the support of many African and non regional countries.”

Elections for the AfDB President are scheduled for May.

"I am proud to report that currently, Dr. Donald Kaberuka is a sole candidate for a second term of the African Development Bank, with elections scheduled this May.

Basically, Rwanda, for another five years, is set to lead the African Development Bank,” the minister told the diplomats.

"We as a country wanted him to get a second term. We believe he is capable and we did everything in terms of lobbying to make sure he gets the support he needs”.

When contacted on phone yesterday, Finance Minister John Rwangombwa confirmed the news and said that Kaberuka is "unopposed and has the support of more than 30 African countries.”

Minister Rwangombwa said nominations for the post closed at the end January.

Kaberuka first assumed his duties at the helm of the AfDB in 2005 after being elected President by the Board of Governors of the member countries of the Bank’s Group.

It provides loans and grants to African governments and private companies investing in Africa.

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