Dr. Sidi Ould Tah has emerged as the new President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) after a decisive electoral process.
The Mauritanian candidate secured a commanding 76.18% of the vote in the final round, defeating Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo, who received 20.26%, and Senegal’s Amadou Hott, who earned 3.55%. The election was held after three rounds of intense voting, with Chad’s Mahamat Abbas Tolli and South Africa’s Swazi Tshabalala exiting the race in the earlier stages.
With this victory, Dr. Ould Tah becomes the ninth President of the AfDB, taking over from Nigeria’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. Adesina served two successful terms marked by significant expansion of the bank’s programs and influence across the continent, with notable contributions to agricultural development, infrastructure financing, and economic integration. Ould Tah’s election signals both continuity and change at the top of the continent’s premier development finance institution.
A Historic Moment for Mauritania
Dr. Ould Tah’s election is particularly significant for Mauritania, a country that has now secured a leading role within a pan-African institution of global prominence. His ascendancy underscores the growing diplomatic and developmental engagement of smaller African states in shaping the continent’s future. The broad support Ould Tah received from both regional and non-regional members of the AfDB points to his appeal as a consensus builder with a pan-African vision.
Ould Tah, who was widely considered a frontrunner in the race, leveraged his extensive experience in development finance and economic management to gain the confidence of AfDB member states. His candidacy emphasized inclusive growth, institutional strengthening, and strategic partnerships, themes that resonated with stakeholders across Africa and beyond.
In his victory speech, Dr. Ould Tah outlined a bold agenda for the future of the African Development Bank. He pledged to uphold the bank’s mission of promoting sustainable development, financing critical infrastructure, and supporting economic transformation throughout Africa.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in Africa’s development journey,” Ould Tah declared. “I am committed to leading the African Development Bank with integrity, vision, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the aspirations of our people.”
His leadership comes at a time when the continent faces a complex mix of opportunities and challenges, including the urgent need to respond to climate change, foster youth employment, promote green energy, and ensure debt sustainability among member states. The AfDB, headquartered in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, plays a central role in these efforts, with billions of dollars in active financing across infrastructure, agriculture, energy, water, transport, and social development sectors.
Strategic Challenges Ahead
As president, Dr. Ould Tah will be expected to strengthen the bank’s operational efficiency, deepen collaboration with international development partners, and scale up financing for Africa’s development priorities. The road ahead is not without challenges. Issues such as the growing debt burden in several African countries, the impact of global economic uncertainties, and the need for climate-resilient infrastructure will require careful navigation and innovative approaches.
Moreover, the AfDB’s role in promoting digital transformation, intra-African trade, and regional integration is likely to feature prominently in Ould Tah’s agenda. The bank’s support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its push for public-private partnerships will also be areas of keen focus.
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah’s election as President of the African Development Bank ushers in a new chapter in the institution’s storied history. Backed by a solid mandate, he now faces the formidable task of steering the AfDB through a dynamic period of change, challenge, and potential.
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