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Sidi Ould Tah, the Mauritanian economist and development finance expert, was sworn in as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group yesterday.
He succeeds Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose impactful ten-year tenure ended on Monday. Tah emerged victorious at the Bank’s annual meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on May 29, securing 76.18 percent of the votes in what was described as a defining moment for Africa’s premier development finance institution.
In his acceptance speech, Tah radiated optimism and pledged to lead the Bank with a spirit of collaboration and consultation, stressing that collective effort and hard work would be crucial in confronting Africa’s most urgent challenges. “Dear brothers and sisters, I would like you to know that the ideas which you had, the proposals which you tabled, and the convictions which were expressed are well appreciated, and I would draw inspiration from them,” he said.
He expressed deep gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire for the pivotal role he played in his swearing-in, as well as to President Mohamed Ghezouani of Mauritania for mobilising support from his home country. He also thanked the Mauritanian government, traditional and religious leaders, civil society groups, the private sector, African intellectuals, and AfDB governors, acknowledging their contributions to his journey and to the Bank’s mission.
Tah praised the remarkable achievements of his predecessors, especially Adesina, noting that their work had consolidated the AfDB as a powerful institution central to Africa’s growth and development. He reiterated his own commitment to ensuring that the Bank significantly contributes to tackling debt sustainability, climate change, and peace-building while advancing social reforms and economic transformation across the continent.
“I would also like to extend my gratitude to African intellectuals from all segments, media, civil society, and all those who came on board to enrich discussions and debates on the African Development Bank as well as its impact on the continent,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Tah promised to expand the Bank’s partnerships, reaching out to sovereign funds, pension funds, and other emerging global players to broaden its financing base. He said his immediate focus would be on listening attentively to shareholders, partners, clients, and staff to ensure that the Bank’s agenda reflects real-world needs and ambitions. He pledged to drive reforms that would modernise the institution, deepen collaboration across sectors, and unlock solutions that expand access to finance and create jobs for Africa’s growing population.
Tah’s swearing-in marks not just a change in leadership but also a renewal of the AfDB’s mission to be at the forefront of Africa’s development. With high expectations and daunting challenges before him, the new president has promised to pursue his mandate with inclusivity, consultation, and decisive action, as the Bank seeks to deliver a more resilient and prosperous future for the continent.
