March 26 (Reuters) – African Union finance leaders on Monday
unanimously endorsed Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi
Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy to lead the World Bank and urged an
open merit-based process to select the next head of the global
financial institution.
“Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s impeccable credentials, including depth
and breadth of knowledge, rich and varied experience, make her
eminently qualified and the best candidate for the post of World
Bank president,” the Africa Union said in a statement.
The endorsement came following a meeting in Addis Ababa of
finance, planning and development ministers from across Africa
led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
(Reporting By Lesley Wroughton; editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
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