ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire — Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, a seasoned development economist and former Mauritanian finance minister, has been elected the ninth president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). His election was confirmed Thursday, May 29, 2025, during the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan.
After three rounds of voting, Tah secured 76.3% of the vote, winning the confidence of the Bank’s Board of Governors, which includes representatives from 81 member countries, both African and non-African. According to reports from Punch and AllAfrica, his closest competitors were Senegal’s former economy minister, Amadou Hott, and South Africa’s Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, who served as the Bank’s acting president.
Career and Leadership Vision
Tah brings more than 30 years of experience in economic development and international finance. Before his election, he was director-general of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), spearheading financing initiatives across the continent. He also served as Mauritania’s minister of economic affairs and development, earning a reputation as a pragmatic leader dedicated to Africa’s growth.
In his campaign, Tah pledged to strengthen the Bank’s internal systems and boost its impact in member countries. His priorities include mobilizing greater development financing, building a robust African financial framework, accelerating project implementation and improving talent retention. He has also vowed to reform operational processes to cut red tape and make the Bank more agile and responsive to the needs of African governments, businesses and citizens.
The AfDB’s Role in Africa’s Growth
Founded in 1964, the AfDB funds critical projects in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, education and health. With headquarters in Abidjan, it promotes economic integration, poverty reduction and sustainable growth across Africa.
Under Tah’s leadership, the Bank is expected to expand its work in climate change adaptation, digital transformation and regional trade. His presidency comes at a time when the continent faces global economic uncertainty, climate threats and an urgent need to scale up development financing.
Tah’s election marks a milestone for Mauritania and signals a new chapter for the AfDB. Observers say his extensive governance and finance background positions him to lead the Bank toward greater impact and relevance as Africa pursues economic independence and structural transformation.
