Sidi Ould Tah elected as New President of the African Development Bank

Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania has been elected as the new President of the African Development Bank Group. The announcement was made during the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. According to African Development Bank Group, Tah will take over from current President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose second term ends this year. Tah is set to begin his five-year term on 1 September 2025. “I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust placed in me,” said Tah after the results were announced. “I look forward to working with all member countries to help Africa grow and overcome its many

Sidi Ould Tah from Mauritania has been elected as the new President of the African Development Bank Group. The announcement was made during the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. According to African Development Bank Group, Tah will take over from current President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose second term ends this year. Tah is set to begin his five-year term on 1 September 2025. “I am deeply honored and grateful for the trust placed in me,” said Tah after the results were announced. “I look forward to working with all member countries to help Africa grow and overcome its many challenges.” The election was led by the Bank’s Board of Governors, made up of finance ministers, economy leaders, and central bank governors from the Bank’s 81 member countries. To win, a candidate needed more than 50% of the vote from both African and non-African countries. Tah brings more than 30 years of experience in African and international finance. Most recently, he served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), where he led a major transformation from 2015 to 2024. Under his leadership, BADEA’s finances quadrupled, the bank earned a AAA credit rating, and it became one of the top-rated development banks working in Africa. Nialé Kaba, Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Planning and Development and Chairperson of the Board of Governors, praised Tah’s election: “Mr. Tah has shown great leadership and vision in development finance. We believe he will guide the African Development Bank with the same strength and wisdom.”

Sidi Ould Tah elected as the new President of the African Development Bank, marking a new chapter in the institution's leadership.

Tah has also served as Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, and worked with several international organizations to help Africa during financial crises. He is known for his innovative ideas, including creating a $1 billion fund to support African banks. Tah was chosen over four other candidates: Hott Amadou (Senegal), Maimbo Munzele (Zambia), Tolli Mahamat (Chad), and Swazi Tshabalala (South Africa). His election comes at an important time. Africa is facing many challenges, including climate change, economic problems, and global uncertainty. The African Development Bank plays a key role in helping African countries meet important goals, like the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. “The road ahead will not be easy,” Tah said. “But with unity, innovation, and bold action, we can build a stronger future for Africa.”