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.