Sidi Ould Tah Elected Ninth President of African Development Bank Group, Succeeding Akinwumi Adesina
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has elected Sidi Ould Tah, Mauritania’s former Minister of Economy and Finance, as its ninth president, marking the end of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s transformative eight-year tenure.
The announcement was made during the AfDB’s Annual Meetings (#AfDBAM2025), with Tah set to assume office on September 1, 2025, for a five-year term.
Tah, a seasoned economist with extensive experience in financial governance and international development, emerged as the successor following a competitive election process.
His appointment has been hailed as a continuation of the AfDB’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth and development across Africa. Posts on X reflect optimism about Tah’s leadership, with many citing his track record in economic policy as a strong foundation for the role.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who served as president since 2015, leaves a legacy of impactful initiatives, including the High 5s strategy, which prioritized agricultural transformation, energy access, industrialization, integration, and improving quality of life across the continent. Under his leadership, the AfDB secured a historic $115 billion general capital increase in 2019, bolstering its capacity to finance critical projects.
Tah’s election signals a new chapter for the AfDB as it navigates complex global and regional challenges, including climate change, post-pandemic recovery, and infrastructure deficits. In a statement, the AfDB emphasized Tah’s vision for inclusive growth and innovation-driven development.
The transition has sparked widespread discussion, with posts on X highlighting both Adesina’s achievements and anticipation for Tah’s presidency. As the AfDB moves forward, all eyes will be on how Tah builds on Adesina’s legacy to address Africa’s evolving needs.
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