Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah has been elected as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), securing over 76% of the vote after a tightly contested three-round election in Abidjan. He will succeed Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, under whose decade-long leadership the bank’s capital tripled and nearly 565 million people benefited from development projects. Now stepping into one of Africa’s most influential financial roles, Ould Tah inherits both opportunity and challenge—his leadership of the bank comes amid global tariff tensions and possible US funding cuts. Tah’s success will hinge on alliance-building with major contributors like Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa, as he works to continue AfDB’s mission of powering Africa’s growth.
Source: France 24
The recent election of Sidi Ould Tah as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) marks a significant milestone for the financial institution. With over 76% of the vote in his favor, Tah’s victory comes after a rigorous three-round election process held in Abidjan. Taking over from the accomplished Akinwumi Adesina of Nigeria, Tah steps into a role that has seen remarkable growth and impact under his predecessor’s leadership.
During Adesina’s tenure, the AfDB witnessed a significant increase in its capital and successfully implemented development projects that benefited millions of people across the African continent. As Tah assumes his new position, he faces both opportunities and challenges that will shape the future trajectory of the bank.
One of the key challenges Tah will encounter is navigating the current global economic landscape, characterized by tariff tensions and the possibility of funding cuts from major contributors like the United States. In order to uphold the AfDB’s mission of driving Africa’s growth, Tah will need to focus on building strong alliances with influential countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, and South Africa.
By fostering strategic partnerships and leveraging the bank’s resources effectively, Tah aims to continue the legacy of progress and development set forth by his predecessor. With a keen focus on empowering Africa and addressing the continent’s pressing economic needs, Tah’s leadership promises to be pivotal in shaping the future of the AfDB.
