On May 29, 2025, the African Development Bank (AfDB) elected Sidi Ould Tah as its ninth president during the Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Tah, a seasoned Mauritanian economist and former Finance Minister, secured 76.18% of votes in the third round, outpacing candidates from Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Tunisia. He will assume office on September 1, 2025, succeeding Akinwumi Adesina, whose transformative tenure concludes on August 31, 2025. Tah’s election is pivotal for the AfDB as it navigates funding challenges and drives Africa’s sustainable development.
Tah brings a wealth of experience, having served as Director-General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for a decade. His tenure at BADEA focused on fostering economic growth and regional integration, skills he is expected to leverage at the AfDB. Tah’s priorities include addressing a $555 million cut in U.S. funding to the African Development Fund, a critical resource for Africa’s low-income countries. He aims to bolster climate-resilient infrastructure, promote financial independence, and deepen private sector engagement to accelerate Africa’s transformation.
Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing president, leaves a robust legacy. Under his leadership, the AfDB’s capital surged from $93 billion to $318 billion, enabling $102 billion in financing approvals, with $55 billion directed toward infrastructure projects like Morocco’s Noor Ouarzazate solar complex. His initiatives impacted 565 million people, aligning with the bank’s High 5s priorities: powering, feeding, industrializing, integrating, and improving quality of life across Africa. Adesina’s strategic vision strengthened the AfDB’s global standing, making it a leading financier of African development.
Tah inherits a bank poised for impact but facing challenges. The U.S. funding cut threatens the African Development Fund’s ability to support fragile economies, and global economic uncertainties demand innovative financing models. Tah’s experience in mobilizing resources at BADEA positions him to navigate these hurdles. Stakeholders, including member countries, investors, and development partners, are optimistic about his ability to sustain the AfDB’s momentum while addressing emerging priorities like climate change and digital transformation.
The leadership transition comes at a time of significant AfDB achievements. In 2024, the bank approved a record $11 billion in operations, with $5.5 billion for climate finance, as noted in the 2025 Annual Development Effectiveness Review. Projects like Mauritania’s $30 million financing for climate-resilient agriculture and Cabo Verde’s TechPark CV underscore the bank’s commitment to inclusive growth. Tah’s leadership will be crucial in scaling these efforts.
For stakeholders, Tah’s election signals continuity and ambition. His vision for a financially independent Africa, coupled with strategic investments, will shape the continental
