At the bank’s annual meeting held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, Tah secured 76.18% of the total votes and 72.37% of the regional votes in the third voting round, massively defeating his opponents.
The Africa Development Bank (AFDB), one of the continent’s largest financier and investor is set to have a new leadership on the 1st of September 2025, following the general election held on Thursday, where sidi ould tah emerged as winner, after three intense voting rounds, defeating Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo, Senegal’s Amadou Hott, Chad’s Mahamat Abbas Tolli, and South Africa’s Swazi Tshabalala. The winner is required to obtain at least 50.01% of both the regional and non-regional votes, Ould Tah secured 76.18% of the total vote and 72.37% of regional votes in the third round of voting, a crystal majority signaling the strength of his mandate.
The 60 year old is set to become the banks 9th president taking over from Akinwumi Adesina, who held the position for 10years after his election in 2015.
Akinwumi adesina is highly respected for his massive contributions to the progress of AFDB and Africa, his contributions are vividly remembered by all, key highlights of his performance; was growing the banks fortune from $93 billion in 2015 to over $350 billion in 2025, with massive investments in digital and inclusive infrastructural development delivered across different states in the region.
Mr. sidi ould tah a Mauritanian national, born on the 31st December 1964, an economist with over 35 years experience; for decades he has been in several leadership positions: Minister of Economy and Finance, Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, respectively in his country.
Until April he was the director general of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), however, Tah’s success in the financial institution is immeasurable he led a 376% capital expansion and launched the institution’s first ten year strategy. As director, approval rating for BADEA increased significantly under his leadership, In May 2025, BADEA received an AA+ rating from S&P. BADEA became a major driver in small and medium enterprises finances (SMEs), inclusive infrastructural development, and digital platforms growth.
In his victory speech; Tah thanked his supporters, regional and non-regional leaders for their efforts which led to his success in the just concluded election, while describing his awaiting role as a “beginning of a challenging yet inspiring journey” adding “together, we will drive Africa’s transformation with unity, ambition, and purpose.” Following his victory, Tah received congratulatory messages from several world leaders and directors, with hopes he’d thread in same footprints as his predecessor.
Four Explosive Cardinal Points.
During his campaign, Tah noted 4 cardinal points which he believes will bring transformation to AFDB. For his five year tenure which begins on the 1st of September, Tah will be working on these four point agenda, which was his campaign ‘Gospel’.
Tah plan to consolidate the Bank’s Financial Capacity, by attracting funding from various partners and investors.
“Under my leadership as president of the African Development Bank Group, the AfDB will not limit ambition to its available capital. I will utilize callable capital, attract private co-financing, and enhance our impact using structured instruments that align with Africa’s needs.” Tah noted.
Also his second agenda is Delivering Results at Scale; he intends to do more key projects in the region.
“In development, scale is not just an aspiration; it is a test. I will transform AFDB from fragmented pilot projects to flagship interventions that have a multi-country reach, a real implementation framework, and measurable results.” He said.
Strengthen Institutional Credibility, is the president elect third agenda. “Institutions succeed or fail based on the confidence they command. Under my leadership, the AFDB will restore this confidence through clear fiduciary standards, skilled staff, and predictable governance.” He said.
Finally, Deepen Partnerships and Global Relevance, the fourth point; for Mr. Tah Africa doesn’t need aid he believes in strategic partnerships instead.
“The next AFDB President must speak to investors in Riyadh, Beijing, and Nairobi with equal fluency. I bring a partnership model built not on aid but aligned capital and shared purpose.” The president elect said.
NWALI CHIDOZIE MICHEAL.
