Bajabulile “Swazi” Tshabalala, South Africa’s formidable nominee for the African Development Bank (AfDB) presidency in 2025, stands tall among the continent’s most accomplished women in finance and development. With nearly three decades of expertise in treasury management, capital markets, and strategic financial leadership, she has already made history as the first woman to serve as Senior Vice President of the AfDB a role she held from 2021 to 2024.
Swazi joined the AfDB in 2018 as Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer, where she demonstrated exceptional vision and execution. She played a central role in driving the Bank’s largest general capital increase, growing its asset base from $1.4 billion to an impressive $30 billion by 2022. Her stewardship during the COVID-19 pandemic saw the successful establishment of a $10 billion Covid-19 Response Facility, with $3.4 billion in sovereign operations approved by mid-2020 to help African economies stabilize.
Her leadership style combines technical excellence with inclusive vision. As chair of the Bank’s Asset and Liability Committee, she implemented robust strategies to ensure financial sustainability. Endorsed by the South African Cabinet in 2024 for the presidency of the AfDB, Swazi now champions the “Lift Africa” agenda—a transformative strategy that prioritizes integrated infrastructure, innovative finance solutions, private sector growth, and gender equity.
Before her influential roles at AfDB, Swazi made her mark in both the public and private sectors. She served as CEO of Barbican Advisory Group (2013–2018) and Industrial Development Group (2006–2014), and as Group Treasurer at Transnet (2004–2006). Her early experience at Old Mutual Employee Benefits and Standard Bank Group shaped her enduring commitment to building resilient financial ecosystems across Africa.
Swazi has also held numerous non-executive directorships at leading African corporations including MTN, Tiger Brands, South African Airways, Liberty Group, and Standard Bank Group. She was a founder and Deputy President of the Association of Black Securities and Investment Professionals in South Africa amplifying the voices of Black professionals in finance and fostering a more inclusive economy.
Her academic credentials include a Bachelor’s in Economics from Lawrence University (1989) and an MBA in Corporate Finance from Wake Forest University (1992), both earned in the United States.
As Africa looks toward deeper regional integration and sustainable development, Swazi Tshabalala represents the bold, visionary leadership needed to navigate complex financial landscapes and deliver lasting impact. Her journey exemplifies the power of African women to redefine global finance and development paradigms, making her one of the 100 Reputable Women of African Descent 2025.
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