Sidi Ould Tah Elected African Development Bank President
Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has been elected the ninth President of the African Development Bank Group, marking a significant leadership transition at one of the continent’s most influential financial institutions. The election took place during the Bank’s Annual Meetings, with the Board of Governors comprising Ministers of Finance and Economy, as well as Central Bank Governors from 81 regional and non-regional member countries casting their votes to determine the Bank’s next leader.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Tah declared:
“Let us go to work now. I’m ready!”
Sidi Ould Tah brings over 35 years of experience in African and international finance to the role. He most recently served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), a position he held for a decade. During his tenure, he led a comprehensive transformation of the institution, quadrupling its balance sheet, securing a AAA credit rating, and positioning it among the most respected development banks on the continent. Prior to that, he served as Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Finance and held several high-level roles in multilateral organizations, where he was instrumental in leading crisis-response operations, financial reform initiatives, and innovative funding programs across Africa. One of his notable achievements includes the implementation of BADEA’s $1 billion capital appraisal program designed to support the development capacity of African multilateral banks.
Taking office on September 1, 2025, Sidi Ould Tah will succeed Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose two-term presidency has been marked by significant achievements in energy, agriculture, and regional integration. As he prepares to step into this high-stakes role, he acknowledges both the honor and the burden of leadership, expressing deep gratitude to those who supported his journey. “I thank Africa for the trust it has just placed in me. I thank you, Ladies and Gentlemen, Governors, for this trust of which I fully appreciate the responsibility and the duty that come with it,” he said.
He also extended thanks to his home country, Mauritania, and President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani for their steadfast support throughout the campaign. “I thank all my Mauritanian brothers and sisters, all my African sisters and brothers, for the solidarity that supported my campaign. I would like to make a special mention of my team who did a remarkable job from beginning to end,” he added.
With a track record of transformational leadership and a clear readiness to serve, expectations are high that he will bring renewed energy, vision, and unity to the Bank’s mission of building a prosperous and resilient Africa.
As he concluded his address with confidence and determination, the continent will be watching as a new chapter unfolds for Africa’s foremost development finance institution.
