SIDI OULD TAH SWORN IN AS 9TH PRESIDENT OF THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK GROUP

Abidjan, Ivory Coast – September 2, 2025: The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has entered a new era of leadership as Dr. Sidi Ould Tah officially assumed office as the institution’s ninth President, succeeding Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina after two successful terms.

Historic Election Victory

Dr. Ould Tah, 60, from the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, was elected on 29 May 2025 with more than 76% of shareholder votes—the highest margin ever for a first-term president in the Bank’s history. This overwhelming mandate reflects strong confidence in his vision for Africa’s premier development finance institution.

A Grand Swearing-In Ceremony

The swearing-in took place at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, attended by high-level dignitaries including:

• Côte d'Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara
• Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani
• Former AfDB Presidents Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Dr. Donald Kaberuka
• Members of the Bank’s Board of Governors, Executive Directors, diplomats, private sector leaders, and development partners

The event marked a smooth transition of leadership, reinforcing the AfDB’s role as a cornerstone of Africa’s growth and development.

Four Priorities for AfDB’s Future

In his inaugural address, Dr. Ould Tah laid out his Four Cardinal Points to guide his presidency:

1. Listening intently to member states and stakeholders
2. Fast-tracking reforms for greater efficiency
3. Deepening partnerships across public and private sectors
4. Accelerating real solutions to Africa’s most pressing challenges

He emphasized that the AfDB must act as a bridge—between regions, ambition and execution, public and private sectors, and urgency and bureaucracy.

Experience and Leadership Credentials

Dr. Ould Tah brings over 40 years of experience in development banking and economic policy. Key highlights include:

• Former President of BADEA (Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa), where he oversaw asset growth from $4 billion to nearly $7 billion and achieved AA+/AAA credit ratings.
• Minister of Economy and Finance of Mauritania (2008–2015), representing the country on the Boards of AfDB, World Bank, and Islamic Development Bank.
• Holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, France, and advanced degrees from Paris VII-Jussieu and the University of Nouakchott.
• Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, with working proficiency in Portuguese and Spanish.

AfDB’s Strong Foundation

Dr. Ould Tah inherits a robust institution with:

• $318 billion in capital
• AAA credit ratings maintained for 10 consecutive years
• $102 billion approved in development financing over the past decade
• The world’s highest transparency score for a sovereign portfolio (98.8%)

Looking Ahead

As he begins his tenure, Dr. Ould Tah pledged to strengthen partnerships, revisit investment models to include a peace investment pillar, and position AfDB as a compass for Africa’s future—helping the continent navigate demographic shifts, technology, and climate change.

“Africa must look North, South, East, and West—not to imitate, but to draw wisdom and strength from every direction while defining its own course,” he said.

Final Word

Dr. Sidi Ould Tah’s presidency signals a new chapter for the African Development Bank Group, one that aims to accelerate inclusive growth, deepen financial partnerships, and reinforce Africa’s agency on the global stage.

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👉 Source: African Development Bank Group (AfDB) – www.afdb.org