The African Development Bank (AfDB) entered a new era on Monday, September 1, 2025, as Dr. Sidi Ould Tah was officially sworn in as the institution’s ninth president at a high-profile ceremony in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
The swearing-in, held at the prestigious Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, drew global attention as African leaders, diplomats, development partners, and stakeholders from across the continent gathered to witness the historic transition.
Tah succeeds Nigeria’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose decade-long leadership transformed the Bank into one of the most influential multilateral development finance institutions in the world.
At exactly 12:05 GMT, Tah took the oath of office before the AfDB’s Board of Governors, which includes finance ministers and central bank governors from its 81 member countries. Just ten minutes later, he mounted the podium to deliver his maiden address as president.
The ceremony was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including:
Alassane Ouattara, President of Côte d’Ivoire,
Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, President of Mauritania,
Ludovic Ngatsé, Congo’s Minister of Economy and Chair of the AfDB Board of Governors,
Outgoing AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and
Representatives of international organizations, civil society groups, the private sector, and the AfDB staff community.
The presence of these figures underscored the confidence member states and partners have placed in Tah to steer Africa’s premier financial institution.
Born in Mauritania, the 60-year-old Tah is a seasoned economist and an authority in development finance.
Prior to his election, he served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015 to 2025.
His decade at BADEA was widely praised for deepening Arab-Africa economic ties and mobilizing billions of dollars in concessional financing for African economies.
Tah also held senior government positions in Mauritania, including Minister of Economy and Finance, where he played a pivotal role in shaping fiscal and monetary policy during challenging periods.
His career reflects both technocratic expertise and political experience—qualities analysts say will be crucial for leading the AfDB at a time when Africa faces mounting debt, climate risks, and a pressing need for infrastructure financing.
He was elected on May 29, 2025, in Abidjan with 76.18% of the votes, a strong mandate from member countries comprising 54 African states and 27 non-regional members.
Outgoing President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina left behind a legacy of reforms and achievements that redefined the AfDB’s role. Under his leadership, the Bank:
Launched the “High 5s” priorities—Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for Africans,
Scaled up climate finance commitments to $25 billion,
Helped mobilize billions for infrastructure projects such as the Desert-to-Power Initiative,
Responded swiftly to crises like COVID-19 and global food shortages.
Adesina’s decade is widely described as transformative, setting a high bar for his successor.
In his inaugural speech, Tah outlined a vision anchored on inclusive growth, sustainable financing, and regional integration.
He emphasized the Bank’s pivotal role in bridging Africa’s infrastructure gap, accelerating industrialization, and advancing the continent’s climate resilience strategy.
Key priorities highlighted by Tah include:
Expanding energy access and transitioning toward renewable sources,
Mobilizing private sector capital for large-scale infrastructure,
Strengthening food security and agricultural value chains,
Supporting digital transformation and innovation,
Championing climate-smart investments to mitigate global warming’s impact on African economies.
Tah pledged to continue building on Adesina’s legacy while driving bold reforms to make the AfDB more agile, innovative, and responsive to Africa’s evolving challenges.
Analysts believe Tah’s presidency comes at a crucial juncture.
Africa is grappling with rising debt, foreign exchange volatility, climate disasters, and youth unemployment.
At the same time, the continent remains a critical player in global climate negotiations and an untapped hub for green energy and digital innovation.
Development experts argue that Tah’s background in international cooperation—particularly with Arab states and multilateral partners—positions him to leverage non-traditional financing sources for Africa.
His leadership is expected to enhance the AfDB’s influence not just on the continent but also in global economic governance platforms.
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah’s swearing-in as the ninth President of the African Development Bank is more than a leadership change—it signals continuity with reform.
Backed by a solid track record and a decisive electoral mandate, he steps into office with immense expectations.
For Africa, the coming years under Tah’s leadership will test the Bank’s ability to balance financial innovation, climate resilience, and inclusive development.
For the world, it is another reminder that Africa’s future is inseparably tied to global prosperity.
As Tah himself declared in Abidjan: “This is Africa’s time. Together, we must write the next chapter of growth, resilience, and shared progress.”