PicNews
Sidi Ould Tah has officially taken over as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), succeeding Akinwumi Adesina. The swearing-in ceremony was held on September 1, 2025, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, marking a significant leadership transition for the Bank.
Tah is a seasoned economist and development finance expert from Mauritania, with over 35 years of experience in finance and development. He was elected on May 29, 2025, with 76.18% of the votes from AfDB’s 81 member countries, demonstrating broad support from African states and international stakeholders.
As President, Tah is expected to focus on driving inclusive growth, addressing poverty, job creation, and access to essential services. He will also prioritize sustainable financing, mobilizing new sources of financing, including private sector capital, and promoting climate-resilient infrastructure. Regional integration is another key area of focus, with Tah aiming to strengthen regional financial institutions and promote Africa’s economic sovereignty.
Climate resilience is a critical challenge facing the continent, and Tah’s leadership will be crucial in addressing these challenges. Africa is vulnerable to climate-related shocks, and the AfDB’s efforts will be essential in promoting renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Tah faces significant challenges, including mobilizing new financing, particularly after the withdrawal of $555 million in U.S. aid from the African Development Fund. However, his experience and expertise position him well to drive bold reforms and expand the Bank’s partnerships with sovereign funds, pension funds, and other stakeholders.
The AfDB plays a critical role in Africa’s development, and Tah’s presidency is expected to be instrumental in shaping the continent’s economic future. With his leadership, the Bank is likely to focus on innovative solutions, partnerships, and sustainable financing models to deliver lasting impact and promote Africa’s economic growth and development.
As Tah begins his presidency, expectations are high for his ability to drive meaningful change and address the continent’s pressing development challenges. His commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable financing, and regional integration will be essential in promoting Africa’s economic sovereignty and delivering lasting impact.
