Yemi Olakitan
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has elected Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania as its ninth president, marking a new chapter in the leadership of Africa’s premier financial institution.
The announcement was made Thursday on the official AfDB website, confirming Ould Tah’s selection following a competitive process involving candidates from across the continent.
A seasoned development expert and diplomat, Ould Tah brings a wealth of experience to the role. Prior to his election, he served as the Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), where he oversaw several strategic investments and partnerships aimed at boosting sustainable growth across the continent.
His appointment is seen as both a strategic and symbolic move, signaling the Bank’s continued commitment to broad-based, inclusive development that spans Africa’s diverse regions.
Ould Tah will succeed current president Akinwumi Adesina, whose decade-long tenure is credited with expanding the bank’s reach, financial capacity, and influence in global development circles. Adesina’s leadership saw the Bank ramp up investments in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and climate resilience.
In his new role, Ould Tah will be expected to navigate complex challenges facing African economies, including rising debt burdens, climate shocks, and the need for accelerated digital transformation. Observers note the significance of his election at a time when Africa is pushing for stronger voices in global financial governance.
The AfDB, headquartered in Abidjan, is one of Africa’s most important financial institutions, providing loans, grants, and technical expertise to support economic and social development across its 54 regional member countries.
Details of the inauguration ceremony and Ould Tah’s first public address are expected in the coming days.
