Paragraph 1: The Election of Sidi Ould Tah as AfDB President
Sidi Ould Tah, a Mauritanian national, has been elected as the ninth president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, marking a significant transition in leadership for the prominent financial institution. The election took place during the Bank’s Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where the Board of Governors, the highest decision-making body of the AfDB, cast their votes. This board comprises finance ministers, economy ministers, or central bank governors from the bank’s 81 member countries, both regional and non-regional. Tah’s victory represents a pivotal moment for the AfDB as it navigates the complex challenges and opportunities facing African economies.
Paragraph 2: Tah’s Triumph over a Competitive Field
Tah’s election was the culmination of a competitive process that involved several distinguished candidates from across the continent. He secured the presidency by garnering at least 50.01% of both the regional and non-regional votes, surpassing other contenders, including Amadou Hott of Senegal, Samuel Maimbo of Zambia, Mahamat Abbas Tolli of Chad, and Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa. The victory signifies the confidence placed in Tah’s abilities and vision for the future of the AfDB and the development of the African continent. The diverse pool of candidates underscored the depth of leadership talent available within Africa and the importance of a transparent and competitive selection process.
Paragraph 3: Tah’s Extensive Experience and Qualifications
Tah brings over 35 years of experience in African and international finance to his new role, positioning him well to lead the AfDB. Prior to his election, he served as president of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for a decade, beginning in 2015. During his tenure at BADEA, Tah spearheaded significant transformations that quadrupled the bank’s balance sheet, secured a prestigious AAA rating, and solidified its position among the top-rated development banks focused on Africa. This experience demonstrates his capacity to manage complex financial institutions and drive impactful change.
Paragraph 4: Tah’s Previous Roles and Contributions to African Development
Beyond his leadership at BADEA, Tah has held various senior positions in multilateral institutions, further enriching his understanding of the intricacies of international finance and development. As a former Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance of Mauritania, he possesses firsthand experience in navigating the economic challenges and opportunities within African countries. His involvement in crisis response, financial reform, and innovative resource mobilization initiatives, including the establishment of BADEA’s $1 billion callable capital program for African multilateral development banks (MDBs), demonstrates his commitment to sustainable and equitable development within the continent.
Paragraph 5: The Election Process and Nigeria’s Significant Role
The process to elect a new AfDB president began in July 2024 with a call for expressions of interest from regional member countries to nominate candidates. The nomination period closed in January 2025, followed by the vetting process conducted by the Steering Committee on the Election of the President. This committee determined the final list of candidates who would participate in the election. Nigeria, as the largest shareholder in the AfDB, played a significant role in the election process. Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, emphasized the country’s keen interest in the selection of the new president, succeeding the incumbent Nigerian president, Akinwumi Adesina.
Paragraph 6: Reflections on the Election and the Path Forward
The election of Sidi Ould Tah marks a new chapter for the AfDB. While he inherits the legacy of outgoing President Akinwumi Adesina, Tah will undoubtedly bring his own vision and leadership style to the institution. Samuel Maimbo, one of the candidates vying for the presidency, graciously congratulated Tah on his victory and acknowledged the democratic process. Maimbo’s statement reflected the shared commitment among all candidates to the advancement and prosperity of the African continent. As Tah assumes his new role in September 2025, the AfDB, under his leadership, is poised to continue its crucial work in fostering sustainable and inclusive development across Africa, addressing the continent’s multifaceted challenges and leveraging its immense potential. The transition of leadership represents both continuity and the opportunity for fresh perspectives in driving the AfDB’s mission forward.
