In a landmark election that concluded on 29 May 2025, Sidi Mohamed Tah emerged as the new President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), securing a resounding mandate that reflects both regional confidence and global support. Garnering 76.18% of the total vote and 72.37% of regional votes in the third round, his victory surpasses the 50.01% threshold required in both regional and non-regional constituencies. This historic result marks the beginning of a new chapter for the AfDB as the Mauritanian economist and development banker prepares to assume office on 1 September 2025, succeeding Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina as the ninth president of the institution.
Sidi Ould Tah’s ascent to the helm of the AfDB is the culmination of over three decades of unwavering commitment to Africa’s economic transformation. Born in Mauritania, Tah has built a formidable career that spans government service, multilateral development banking, and international economic policy. His recent tenure as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) positioned him as one of the continent’s most accomplished and reform-minded financial leaders. Over the ten years he led BADEA, the bank underwent an unprecedented transformation. Under his stewardship, the institution’s capital base expanded by an extraordinary 376%, signaling investor confidence and an ambitious agenda for growth. Annual project approvals rose twelvefold, while disbursements increased eightfold. These achievements were not merely quantitative milestones—they represented a decisive shift in how BADEA engaged with African countries. The bank became an essential partner in infrastructure development, SME financing, digital platforms, and initiatives to support fragile states. Such a comprehensive operational scale was a testament to Tah’s vision and strategic execution.
These achievements did not go unnoticed in global financial circles. Just weeks before the AfDB elections, S&P Global upgraded BADEA’s long-term credit rating to AA+, recognising the institution’s financial robustness and operational maturity. For many observers, this was both a validation of Tah’s leadership and a precursor to his suitability for the presidency of the AfDB. Beyond institutional leadership, Tah’s career is steeped in policymaking and economic governance. He previously served as Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development from 2008 to 2009, a period during which he led strategic economic reforms and enhanced the country’s capacity to negotiate bilateral and multilateral funding agreements. His ministerial role not only deepened his understanding of the continent’s development challenges but also strengthened his reputation as a practical and results-driven leader.
Tah’s academic credentials further solidify his expertise. He holds a PhD in Development Economics from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis in France, complementing his advanced diplomas in finance and economics from institutions in Paris and Nouakchott. These qualifications have provided him with the analytical and technical grounding to navigate the intricacies of global finance while remaining deeply attuned to African realities. His campaign for the AfDB presidency was widely regarded as one of the most substantive and forward-looking in recent memory. Led by Frannie Léautier, a former vice-president at both the AfDB and the World Bank, the campaign presented a transformative vision for the institution. At its core was a commitment to reshaping Africa’s financial architecture to enable the continent to better harness its demographic dividend, natural resources, and industrial potential. Tah pledged to leverage large-scale private and institutional capital to finance development, while also prioritising the mobilisation of domestic resources and strengthening regional value chains.
In his acceptance speech delivered in Abidjan, Tah exuded clarity and urgency: “It’s time to get to work. I’m ready.” These words were not just rhetorical; they reflected his readiness to engage with the complex and evolving challenges facing the AfDB and its stakeholders. From climate finance and digital inclusion to regional integration and debt sustainability, the next five years will require visionary leadership and a bold strategic agenda. The African Development Bank plays a central role in supporting Africa’s progress, and Tah’s presidency will be closely watched for how it balances innovation with inclusivity.
Sidi Ould Tah takes office at a critical juncture in Africa’s development journey. The continent is experiencing rapid population growth, urbanisation, and technological change. These shifts offer immense opportunity but also demand coordinated responses to challenges such as infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment, and climate vulnerability. With his deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership, and expansive vision, Tah is uniquely positioned to steer the AfDB into a new era of relevance and impact. His presidency is expected to align closely with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, bringing synergy between regional aspirations and global development frameworks.
The next chapter for the African Development Bank begins with a president whose track record speaks volumes, and whose vision for Africa’s financial empowerment is both bold and attainable. Sidi Ould Tah is not just a new face at the helm—he is a symbol of continuity, reform, and ambition for a continent on the rise.
