African Trio Back Nigerian as Next World Bank Chief
By DEVON MAYLIE
JOHANNESBURGSouth Africa, Angola and Nigeria are putting forward the latter's finance minister as a candidate for president of the World Bank, South Africa's finance minister said Friday, as the trio seeks to increase the bank's focus on developing relations between emerging countries.
South Africa's Pravin Gordhan said the country will seek support for Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala at a summit of the BRIC nationsBrazil, Russia, India and Chinanext week. He declined to comment on whether South Africa sought Nigeria's support for its bid to head the African Union. Nigeria was among the countries that blocked South Africa's bid to replace outgoing AU President Jean Ping from Gabon with South Africa's minister.
"She is the candidate of choice; not just for Africa but for everyone else," Mr. Gordhan said of Nigeria's finance minister.
The move comes as developing nations seek to increase their voice in global institutions. Last year, emerging nations sought the position of International Monetary Fund chief, arguing that the developing world is playing an ever greater role in the global economy. The position ultimately went to France.
South Africa, Angola and Nigeria share an executive director's office to represent their interests at the World Bank. Nominations to replace outgoing President Robert Zoellick are due Friday. Mr. Zoellick recently announced he will step down in June.
"Why not consider a developing world candidate," Ms. Okonjo-Iweala said at a briefing in Johannesburg Friday, noting she is confident about her candidacy and that she hopes the process will be based on merit.
The minister said she has a vision for the World Bank, but declined to give details besides stressing the importance of broadening the bank's work to tackle poverty.
The three countries said they want the World Bank to place greater focus on funding infrastructure on the continent that will encourage intra-country trade and regional integration. It also said more focus at the bank must be placed on helping "south-south" trade.
South Africa's Mr. Gordhan said he expects the selection process to be completed by April 20.
Ms. Okonjo-Iweala was appointed Nigeria's finance minister in 2003, having previously worked as an economist at the World Bank.
