BADEA names Abdullah Almusaibeeh as president on July 1, 2025, to lead a $15B Africa portfolio focused on climate, digital infrastructure, and SME development.
The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) has appointed Abdullah Almusaibeeh as its next president, effective July 1, 2025. The announcement came during BADEA’s 2025 Annual Meeting in Kuwait City, where member states shaped the bank’s path forward in African financing.
⚙️ Strategic Leadership Transition
Almusaibeeh, a Kuwait University mathematics graduate, has served on BADEA’s board and participated in global development forums. He succeeds Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, who led the bank since 2015 and expanded its impact across Africa.
A BADEA insider said:
“This leadership change signals renewed ambition to scale Africa-focused investments and partnerships.”
🌍 Anchoring Arab-African Development
Founded in 1973 after the 6th Arab Summit in Algiers, BADEA began operations in 1975 from Khartoum, Sudan, to foster Arab–Sub-Saharan Africa financial cooperation. It operates across 48 countries, financing projects in energy, infrastructure, health, agriculture, and technical education.
🔋 Almusaibeeh’s Vision: Climate, Connectivity & SMEs
Almusaibeeh plans to:
- Scale climate-smart investments and green bonds
- Partner with the African Development Bank and Islamic Development Bank
- Boost digital infrastructure and fintech expansion
- Empower SMEs and expand technical education
His approach aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, promoting inclusive, sustainable economic growth.
📈 Building on a Decade of Expansion
Under Dr. Tah, BADEA:
- Expanded its loan book across five African regions
- Provided emergency support during COVID‑19 and food crises
- Enhanced partnerships with global development institutions
A BADEA official noted:
“Almusaibeeh’s task is to scale Tah’s forward-looking momentum.”
💸 Tackling Africa’s $100B Financing Gap
With Africa facing a financing gap north of $100 billion annually, BADEA is poised to:
- Launch blended finance vehicles and green investment products
- Enhance impact measurement and transparency
- Position itself as a leading development financier in fragile states
🔗 Internal Links for Further Reading
