Abidjan: Former Mauritanian Finance Minister Sidi Ould Tah has been elected president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), beating four other candidates after three rounds of voting. He becomes the 9th president of the pan-African institution for the next five years.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Sidi Ould Tah, a distinguished Mauritanian economist and a veteran in the realm of development finance, has been elected as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group. He is set to officially take office on September 1, 2025, embarking on a five-year term and following in the footsteps of Akinwumi Adesina.
Born on December 31, 1964, in the vibrant town of Mederdra, Mauritania, Ould Tah comes equipped with over 35 years of diverse experience in both African and international finance. His impressive academic credentials feature a Ph.D. in Economics from the renowned University of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, as well as a Diplôme d’Études Approfondies (DEA) in Economics from the esteemed Unive
rsity of Paris VII.
His commitment to excellence is further evidenced by his participation in high-level executive programs at prestigious institutions such as the Harvard Institute for International Development, London Business School, and Swiss Finance Institute.
Prior to his election as AfDB President, Ould Tah served as the transformative leader of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015 until April 2025. During his decade-long tenure, he propelled BADEA into a period of remarkable growth, effectively quadrupling its balance sheet and securing an impressive AAA credit rating. Under his stewardship, the bank solidified its position as a premier development institution committed to addressing Africa’s needs. He was instrumental in championing innovative financial mechanisms, including cutting-edge climate finance instruments and the strategic use of blended capital models to draw in private investment.
Ould Tah’s illustrious career is also deeply rooted in his native Mauritania
, where he held significant positions such as Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance from 2008 to 2015, and Minister of Agriculture. Furthermore, he served as a key advisor to both the President and the Prime Minister of Mauritania from 2006 to 2008, demonstrating his influence in shaping national economic strategies.
His extensive experience extends to various multilateral institutions, including a notable role at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), where he engaged in promoting investments and providing technical assistance at the presidential level. He began his professional journey in 1984 at the Mauritanian Bank for Development and Commerce (BMDC), marking the start of a prolific career dedicated to economic development.
It is anticipated that his visionary leadership will be crucial in guiding the institution towards greater African economic integration, financial sustainability, and enhanced global competitiveness, with an emphasis on reinforcing African resilience and fostering innovative thinkin
g.