Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania has been elected the next president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He will take office on September 1, 2025. Tah will become the 9th president of the bank, succeeding Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina.
The election took place during the AfDB’s annual meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The bank’s Board of Governors, made up of finance ministers and central bank governors from 81 member countries, voted to elect him.
To win, candidates needed at least 50.01 percent of both regional and non-regional member votes. The results were announced by Niale Kaba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Planning Minister and Chair of the Board.
Tah Brings 35 Years of Leadership Experience in Finance
Tah brings over 35 years of experience in African and international finance. He was the president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for 10 years. Under his leadership, the bank quadrupled its balance sheet and earned a top AAA credit rating.
He is also a former Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance in Mauritania. The AfDB praised his role in leading crisis responses, driving financial reforms, and launching innovative funding tools, like BADEA’s $1 billion callable capital programme for African development banks.
Before his election, the AfDB confirmed it had received and screened five valid candidates: Amadou Hott of Senegal, Samuel Maimbo of Zambia, Mahamat Abbas Tolli of Chad, Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa, and Sidi Ould Tah.
Tah Promises to Lead with Unity and Purpose
After his win, Tah shared a message on his X handle. He expressed gratitude to all supporters and member countries that backed his candidacy.
“I am humbled and honored to be elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). 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.”
He described his victory as the beginning of an inspiring task and pledged to serve with unity and strong ambition.
Adesina and Buhari React to the Leadership Transition
Outgoing president Akinwumi Adesina congratulated Tah in a message posted online. He described Tah as a friend and wished him success.
“The beat goes on! I am delighted for my brother and friend, Sidi Ould Tah, on his election as President of the AfDB. Hearty congratulations! I wish you great success in the years ahead.”
Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari also applauded Adesina’s two terms of leadership at the bank. He said Adesina had raised the profile of Nigeria and Africa through excellent service.
“I have seen Dr. Adesina, a son of Nigeria, put up a spectacular performance in the African Development Bank after two terms. As his tenure ends and a successor is emerging, records show that he has set such a great, unmatched record of excellence, leaving shareholders far happier than they had ever been. I am happy with the role I played in bringing his talent forward.”
According to Buhari, Adesina’s success came from a mix of talent, discipline, and determination. He described him as an inspiration to others across the continent.
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