The African Development Bank (AfDB) has elected economist Sidi Ould Tah as its new president, becoming the first Mauritanian to lead the financial institution.
Ould Tah emerged victorious in the third and final round of voting, securing 76.18% of the overall vote and 72.37% of the regional vote. He succeeds Dr. Akinwumi Adesina of Nigeria, who led the Bank for two terms. The election was conducted by the Bank’s Board of Governors, which includes finance and economy ministers or central bank governors representing the 81 member states.
The incoming president is expected to officially assume office on September 1, 2025, after Adesina’s term concludes.
With global economic uncertainties mounting, the new leadership is tasked with reimagining the Bank’s strategic direction to meet Africa’s evolving development needs.
