Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah sworn in as AfDB President on Sept 1, 2025, succeeding Akinwumi Adesina after a decade-long tenure.
Leadership Transition at the AfDB
On September 1, 2025, Sidi Ould Tah was sworn in as the ninth President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), succeeding Akinwumi Adesina, who completed a transformative ten-year term. The inauguration ceremony was held at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire in Côte d’Ivoire, where Tah took the oath of office before the Bank’s Board of Governors, which includes finance ministers and central bank governors of all member countries.
Election Victory
Tah’s election took place on May 29, 2025, in Abidjan, where he secured 76.18% of the vote from governors representing the AfDB’s 81 member countries—comprising 54 African states and 27 non-regional partners. His strong mandate reflects widespread support for his vision to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation.
An Experienced Economist
Hailing from Mauritania, Tah is a seasoned economist with more than two decades of leadership in African economic development and international finance. He previously served as:
- President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA)
- Mauritania’s Minister of Finance
This background positions him to tackle Africa’s pressing financial and developmental challenges.
Tah’s Agenda for Africa
In his opening speech, Tah outlined a vision centered on:
- Expanding climate-resilient infrastructure
- Formalising Africa’s vast informal economy, which employs over 85% of the workforce according to the International Labour Organization
- Empowering youth through education, job creation, and entrepreneurship
The AfDB’s 2024 report warned that climate change could shave up to 3% of Africa’s GDP annually by 2050 without urgent investment in resilience—an issue Tah says will be a core priority.
Key Challenges Ahead
Tah takes office at a pivotal moment. Africa’s economy rebounded to 4.3% in 2024, according to the World Bank, following the COVID-19 slump. Yet, the continent still faces:
- Youth unemployment—nearly 60% of young Africans are jobless, per the African Union
- Climate vulnerabilities threatening agriculture and infrastructure
- The need for inclusive financial systems to boost investment and opportunity
In a recent Reuters interview, Tah stressed:
“Africa’s future depends on inclusive growth strategies that integrate climate resilience and youth empowerment, backed by strong partnerships at both continental and global levels.”
A New Chapter for AfDB
Tah’s swearing-in signals continuity and change for the AfDB, as it seeks to deepen its role in financing Africa’s transformation. His tenure will be watched closely by governments, investors, and development partners eager to see how he balances fiscal discipline with ambitious development goals.
