Sidi Ould Tah, a seasoned Mauritanian economist and financier, has been elected the ninth president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) during the institution’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan.
Tah secured a decisive victory with 76.18% of the total vote and 72.37% of the African vote, surpassing the dual majority threshold required after three rounds of voting.
Tah, who brings over 35 years of experience in African and international finance, previously served as president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015 to April 2025.
During his tenure, he led a transformation that quadrupled BADEA’s balance sheet, secured a AAA credit rating, and established a $1 billion callable capital program for African multilateral development banks.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Tah expressed gratitude: “I am humbled and honored to be elected President of the @AfDB_Group. I extend my deepest gratitude to all who supported me – regional and non-regional members of the Bank and the leaders and countries that they represent. This marks the beginning of a challenging yet inspiring journey—together, we will drive Africa’s transformation with unity, ambition, and purpose.”
Tah’s election comes at a critical juncture for the AfDB, as it faces significant challenges, including a proposed $555 million funding cut from the United States and a tightening global development finance landscape.
Observers note that Tah’s leadership will be pivotal in navigating these economic pressures and steering the institution toward greater financial independence for Africa.
His agenda focuses on mobilizing capital at scale, reforming Africa’s financial architecture, leveraging demographic dividends, and building climate-resilient infrastructure.
Tah, a former Mauritanian Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance (2008–2015), defeated four other candidates: Amadou Hott (Senegal), Samuel Maimbo (Zambia), Mahamat Abbas Tolli (Chad), and Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa).
He will assume office on September 1, 2025, for a five-year term, succeeding Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who led the AfDB for two terms since 2015.
The election, announced by Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development and Chairman of the AfDB Board of Governors, Niale Kaba, took place under the theme “Making Africa’s Capital Work Better for Africa’s Development.”
Tah’s vision, dubbed the “Tah Doctrine,” emphasizes execution, scale, innovation, inclusion, and institutional fitness, aiming to position the AfDB as a leading force in Africa’s development amid global uncertainties.
As the first Mauritanian to lead the AfDB, Tah is expected to leverage his connections with Gulf states and other partners to diversify funding sources, particularly in light of potential aid reductions from Western nations.
His presidency is seen as a shift toward a technocratic, results-driven approach, contrasting with the more visible style of his predecessor.
The AfDB, established in 1964, comprises 54 African and 27 non-African member countries, with a mission to drive sustainable economic development across the continent.
Tah’s leadership will be closely watched as Africa seeks to address its $150 billion infrastructure funding gap and advance the African Union’s Agenda 2063.