Sidi Ould Tah, a veteran Mauritanian economist, has been elected the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. His election was confirmed during the Bank’s Annual Meetings held on 29 May 2025 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Sidi Ould Tah elected ninth president of the African Development Bank Group.
More details to follow. #AfDBAM2025 pic.twitter.com/REK8YlTWEI
— African Development Bank Group (@AfDB_Group) May 29, 2025
Tah secured 76.18% of the vote, ahead of Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo (20.26%) and Senegal’s Amadou Hott (3.55%).
The AfDB’s Board of Governors comprising finance ministers and central bank governors from the institution’s 81 member states conducted the election through a double-majority voting process, which requires a majority from both regional (African) and non-regional members.
Tah is set to assume office on 1 September 2025, succeeding Nigeria’s Dr Akinwumi Adesina, who has held the position since 2015.
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With over 35 years of experience in African and international development finance, Tah previously served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015 to 2025. Under his leadership, BADEA underwent a major transformation, quadrupling its balance sheet and earning a AAA credit rating. He has also served as Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance and held senior roles in several multilateral organisations.
Tah’s appointment comes at a crucial moment as the AfDB intensifies efforts to drive sustainable development across the continent, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. His proven leadership and expertise are expected to guide the Bank through this next chapter.
