Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has been elected the ninth president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), following a decisive victory after three rounds of voting. He secured 76.18% of the vote, comfortably outpacing Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo with 20.26% and Senegal’s Amadou Hott with 3.55%. Chad’s Mahamat Abbas Tolli and South Africa’s Swazi Tshabalala were eliminated early, receiving 0.88% and 5.9% respectively.
Tah’s victory contrasts sharply with the 2015 presidential election, which took six rounds for Dr. Akinwumi Adesina to win with 58.1% of the vote. This time, the process was swift and largely consensual, reflecting strong regional backing and diplomatic momentum behind Tah’s candidacy.
Sandra Kassab, Africa director at France’s development agency, described the election as “swift and consensual,” expressing optimism about continuing their shared commitment to the continent.
A Campaign Driven by Diplomatic Strength and Regional Alliances
Joining the race late, Tah leveraged Mauritania’s extensive diplomatic networks, supported by the country’s 2024 chairmanship of the African Union under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. Backing from Saudi Arabia and Arab League states was also key in securing crucial votes.
His campaign highlighted his unique position as a bridge between Africa and the Arab world. Since 2015, Tah has led the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), transforming it into a leading development finance institution. Under his leadership, annual approvals multiplied twelvefold, disbursements increased eightfold, and non-performing loans plummeted from over 10% to below 0.5%. According to the Africa Report, just days before the election, S&P upgraded BADEA’s credit rating to AA+, positioning it among the highest-rated development banks globally.
Comprehensive Development Expertise
Tah’s tenure as Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Finance provided him with a holistic understanding of Africa’s development challenges. “I have a 360° view of development,” Tah stated, assuring readiness to lead the AfDB from day one. Although his official term begins on September 1, his core transition team will start work immediately to ensure a smooth handover.
Building on a Decade of Progress
Tah succeeds Dr. Adesina, who leaves after a decade with a mixed legacy but a financially sound bank. The AfDB reported a net profit of €310 million ($351.7 million) last year and approved a record €10.6 billion in new projects in 2024, with disbursements rising 15% to €6.4 billion. However, experts like Serge Ekué, president of the West African Development Bank, urge the AfDB to scale up operations and capital to meet Africa’s expanding development needs.
Charting a New Strategic Direction
Tah inherits the AfDB’s 2024–2033 ten-year strategy, based on Adesina’s ‘High 5’ priorities: Feed Africa, Light up and Power Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialize Africa, and Improve Quality of Life for Africans. While affirming these remain vital, Tah insists the Bank must elevate its efforts. “Initiatives like Mission 300 and Desert to Power are essential. We must build on past successes, but the AfDB can and must do better,” he affirmed.
Under the leadership of his campaign team, headed by former AfDB and World Bank vice-president Frannie Léautier, Tah outlined his vision centered on four key pillars: reforming Africa’s financial architecture, capitalizing on the continent’s demographic boom, industrializing sustainably, and unlocking large-scale capital for development.
Will Tah Become the Next “Optimist-in-Chief”?
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, Tah’s predecessor, earned the nickname “Optimist-in-Chief” for his hopeful and energetic approach to Africa’s challenges and opportunities. As Tah steps into the role, many observers are watching closely to see if he will bring a similar spirit of optimism to the AfDB.
With his track record of building bridges between Africa and the Arab world and his emphasis on ambitious reforms, Tah appears poised to inspire renewed confidence, potentially becoming the new “Optimist-in-Chief” for Africa’s development.
As Africa’s new chief development banker, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah now faces the challenge of translating ambitious plans into tangible progress to transform the continent’s economic future.
