Sidi Ould Tah to be Sworn in as New President of the African Development Bank
The African Development Bank (AfDB) will usher in a new era of leadership on 1 September as Sidi Ould Tah is officially sworn in as President, succeeding Akinwumi Adesina.
Elected on 29 May 2025 with an overwhelming 76.18% of the vote, Ould Tah becomes the first Mauritanian to lead the Bank in its six-decade history. His election is being hailed as a triumph of Mauritanian diplomacy and pan-African unity, with strong backing from African Union states, the Arab League, and international partners.
Ould Tah previously served as Director-General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015 to 2025, where he strengthened credit ratings and expanded financing for African development projects.
Observers say this track record positions him to guide the AfDB through a challenging period, particularly as the Bank seeks alternative sources of financing following the withdrawal of US$555 million in U.S. aid to the African Development Fund.
Key priorities for the incoming President will include mobilising resources for Africa’s most vulnerable economies, boosting structural transformation, and advancing the continent’s economic sovereignty.
The swearing-in ceremony in Abidjan will be broadcast live with comprehensive coverage from Africa24, including exclusive interviews, analysis, and digital content via its MyAfrica24 streaming platform and Canal+Afrique networks.
As Ould Tah assumes leadership, expectations are high that his diplomatic experience and international networks will help unlock new opportunities for Africa’s financing and development agenda.