Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah Elected as New President of the African Development Bank Group
Mauritania’s Dr. Sidi Ould Tah has been elected as the ninth President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), following a rigorous election process overseen by the institution’s Board of Governors. The announcement was made public on Thursday via the Bank’s official website.
Dr. Tah is scheduled to officially assume office on September 1, 2025, taking over from Dr. Akinwumi Adesina of Nigeria, who will be concluding a landmark 10-year tenure. Dr. Adesina’s leadership is widely acknowledged for strengthening the Bank’s strategic focus and enhancing its development impact across the continent.
The election of Dr. Tah took place during the AfDB’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and followed several rounds of voting. The Board of Governors, which includes finance ministers and central bank governors from each of the Bank’s 81 member states, cast their votes to determine the next leader of Africa’s premier development finance institution.
Dr. Tah triumphed over four other high-profile candidates:
Amadou Hott (Senegal)
Samuel Maimbo (Zambia)
Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad)
Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa)
A Distinguished Background in Development Finance
Born in Mederdra, Mauritania, in 1964, Dr. Tah brings to the role a wealth of experience in both public service and international finance. He earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis in France and further refined his leadership acumen through executive training at Harvard University and the London Business School.
His career in government included serving as Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs, where he played a pivotal role in shaping national development policy. He later assumed leadership of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), where his tenure as Director General was marked by transformative growth. Under his stewardship, the Bank’s balance sheet quadrupled and it achieved a AAA credit rating, an exceptional accomplishment that reflected prudent management and strategic expansion.
Vision and Priorities for AfDB
Dr. Tah’s election campaign emphasized bold and pragmatic initiatives aimed at propelling the continent forward. His vision focuses on:
Mobilizing private sector capital to supplement public resources
Formalizing the informal economy, which sustains millions across Africa
Upgrading infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and digital connectivity
Enhancing climate resilience and positioning the Bank as a global climate action partner
He has also expressed a strong commitment to public-private partnerships, seeking to unlock the full potential of African entrepreneurship and innovation.
A Pivotal Moment for Africa
Dr. Tah’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for the continent. Africa is currently navigating a complex landscape marked by rising debt levels, limited fiscal capacity, and escalating challenges posed by climate change. The AfDB’s role as a financial engine for Africa’s development is more important than ever—supporting projects in agriculture, energy, health, education, and industrialization.
As he prepares to take the reins of the institution, expectations are high for Dr. Tah to build on his predecessor’s legacy and to introduce fresh strategies that will address both persistent and emerging challenges across the region.
His leadership is anticipated to drive inclusive growth, foster economic integration, and position the AfDB as a more agile, responsive, and transformative institution for Africa’s future.
