The Zambian candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Samuel Maimbo, yesterday appealed to the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, for Mozambique's support to strengthen his candidacy.

After an audience with Chapo, Maimbo said that his commitment, if elected, would be to guarantee investment in infrastructure, agriculture and trade, "areas for which Mozambique is well positioned".

In the candidate's view, Mozambique has development potentials that Zambia does not, and all of them are in line with his presidential project for the AfDB.

He pointed to the three ports which, according to him, offer the opportunity to develop agricultural corridors, in investments that make a difference to the economy.

"But the greatest asset for Mozambique is the Mozambican people, warm people with whom I have worked, committed, hardworking, and I am very optimistic that Mozambique will play a significant role in the region," he said, quoted by the AIM.

He also highlighted Mozambique's energy potential and its importance for the southern African region.

"My country went through a devastating drought. We only survived because we were able to import fuel and resources from Mozambique. That's why my commitment and my optimism about Mozambique are very strong," he said.

He said that he had received good advice from Chapo on how to run a good campaign to achieve his goals.

Maimbo has already been vice-president of the World Bank, is a recognized expert in economic development, and has demonstrated his competence by mobilizing 93 billion dollars for the International Development Association (IDA), reports the AIM.