Mauritanian Tah elected AfDB’s ninth president

Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has been elected as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), marking a significant milestone for the continent’s leading financial institution. Tah’s election, which took place at the AfDB’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, saw him secure an overwhelming 76.18% of the vote in the third round of balloting. He defeated four other candidates, including notable contenders like Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo and Senegal’s Amadou Hott, underscoring the strong support he garnered across the African membership.

At 60 years old, Tah brings to the role over 35 years of extensive experience in African and international finance. Prior to his election, he served as the Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015 to 2025. During his decade-long tenure at BADEA, Tah spearheaded substantial institutional reforms, resulting in a fourfold increase in the bank’s balance sheet. Under his leadership, the bank also achieved a coveted AAA credit rating, signaling improved financial stability and investor confidence. His focus on economic sovereignty and climate-resilient infrastructure development during his time at BADEA demonstrated his commitment to sustainable growth on the continent.

Tah is set to officially assume office on September 1, 2025, succeeding Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, whose second term concludes later that month. The transition comes at a critical time for the AfDB and the broader African economy. The bank is currently navigating a challenging global economic environment, marked by inflationary pressures, shifting geopolitical alliances, and uncertainties in international funding. One notable difficulty the new president will face is managing the impact of a \$555 million funding cut from the United States, which has historically been one of the bank’s major contributors.

In light of these challenges, Tah has emphasized the importance of strengthening partnerships with Gulf states and other emerging economies to diversify the bank’s funding sources and boost infrastructure development projects across Africa. By deepening collaboration with non-traditional partners, Tah aims to reduce the AfDB’s reliance on a limited number of donors and enhance its capacity to support critical sectors such as energy, transportation, agriculture, and digital infrastructure.

Tah’s vision for the AfDB reflects his deep understanding of Africa’s developmental needs and the necessity of fostering economic independence. He advocates for policies that encourage African countries to take charge of their own development agendas rather than relying heavily on external assistance. This approach aligns with the broader continental goal of economic sovereignty, which has gained momentum in recent years as African nations seek to assert greater control over their resources and economic futures.

Beyond economic issues, Tah has also highlighted the need for the AfDB to focus on climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Africa is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods, and rising temperatures, which threaten agriculture, water resources, and livelihoods. Tah’s leadership at BADEA, where he prioritized climate-resilient infrastructure, positions him well to guide the AfDB in mobilizing funds and expertise toward projects that mitigate climate risks while promoting green growth.

His election has been widely welcomed by member countries and development experts, who see Tah as a capable and visionary leader. His background in finance, combined with his experience navigating complex institutional reforms, equips him with the skills necessary to steer the AfDB through a period of both opportunity and uncertainty. Many anticipate that Tah will bring a renewed focus on innovation, governance, and inclusivity to the bank’s operations.

The AfDB, established in 1964, is Africa’s premier development finance institution. Its mission is to promote economic development and social progress across its regional member countries. The bank plays a critical role in financing infrastructure projects, supporting private sector development, and providing policy advice. With the continent facing pressing challenges such as youth unemployment, urbanization, and climate change, the bank’s role is more vital than ever.

Tah’s presidency is expected to further strengthen the AfDB’s commitment to Agenda 2063, Africa’s long-term development blueprint. This ambitious agenda aims to transform the continent into a global powerhouse through inclusive growth, industrialization, and sustainable development. As the AfDB’s leader, Tah will be instrumental in aligning the bank’s programs and investments with these continental priorities.

Moreover, Tah’s election symbolizes growing recognition of the need for diverse leadership within African institutions. His Mauritanian background adds to the geographic and cultural diversity of the bank’s leadership history, reflecting the pan-African spirit of the organization. This diversity is crucial in ensuring that the bank’s policies and projects adequately address the varied needs of Africa’s regions and populations.

As he prepares to take office, Tah has outlined plans to engage closely with African governments, regional economic communities, and private sector stakeholders. He intends to foster greater collaboration and coordination among these actors to maximize development impact. Tah believes that inclusive partnerships and participatory approaches are key to sustainable progress.

In summary, the election of Sidi Ould Tah as the ninth president of the African Development Bank represents a hopeful chapter for Africa’s development financing. With his extensive experience, strategic vision, and commitment to economic sovereignty and climate resilience, Tah is well-positioned to guide the bank through current challenges and seize emerging opportunities. His leadership comes at a time when Africa’s aspirations for self-reliance, sustainable growth, and improved livelihoods demand innovative solutions and strong partnerships. The continent and its development partners will be watching closely as Tah embarks on this important journey.