The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has officially ushered in a new era of leadership.
Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah was sworn in as the institution’s ninth president during a high-level ceremony in Abidjan on September 1.
The swearing-in was presided over by Ludovic Ngatsé, Chair of the AfDB Board of Governors and Congo’s Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Integration.
Heads of state, government leaders, international partners, diplomats, and civil society representatives attended the event, underscoring the significance of the leadership transition at Africa’s premier multilateral financial institution.
Tah is sworn in as AfDB president
Tah, 60, was elected to become the next AfDB president on May 29, 2025.
He secured 76.18% of the vote from the Bank’s 81 member countries, which include 54 African and 27 non-regional states.
During his swearing-in ceremony, Tah stated that Africa must look North, East, South & West, not to imitate, but to find its own direction.
“Africa is watching. The youth are waiting. It is time for action,” Tah remarked.
Tah succeeds Adesina as AfDB president
Tah has succeeded Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, whose ten-year presidency is credited with major reforms and achievements that advanced the continent’s development agenda.
The bank held a retirement ceremony for Adesina on August 31.
“Serving as President of the African Development Bank has been the greatest honor and privilege of my professional career. 10YRS ago, we embarked on a journey together. A journey of transformative growth for our bank and for our continent,” Adesina said.
Tah pledged to build on the progress made under Adesina’s tenure while focusing on innovative financing, private sector partnerships, and sustainable growth across the continent.
The transition marks a pivotal moment for the AfDB, as stakeholders look to the new leadership to accelerate inclusive development and strengthen Africa’s position in the global economy.
Who is Sidi Ould Tah?
As reported earlier by TUKO.co.ke, before his election, Ould Tah served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) since 2015.
He is a seasoned Mauritanian economist with more than 35 years of experience in African and global finance.
As the head of Badea, he spearheaded reforms that quadrupled the institution’s balance sheet and earned it a landmark AAA credit rating.
Tah previously held the position of Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance, leading fiscal reforms and regional cooperation efforts.
He is also known for championing BADEA’s $1 billion callable capital facility to support African multilateral development banks, which reinforced the continent’s financial sovereignty.
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