Mauritanian Economist, Sidi to Lead African Development Bank

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has chosen Sidi Ould Tah as its new president after a competitive three-round vote held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Tah, a Mauritanian economist and former head of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (Badea), secured 76% of the vote, surpassing four other candidates. His closest rival, Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo, a World Bank vice-president, took 20%, while Senegal’s Amadou Hott, a former economy minister, received just 3.5%.

Tah will succeed Akinwunmi Adesina, who has served two terms and is due to step down in September. The AfDB, Africa’s largest multilateral lender, was founded 60 years ago and supports major infrastructure projects across the continent. It operates with a diverse shareholder base, including 54 African nations and influential G7 countries such as the US and Japan, with Nigeria as its largest single shareholder.

New Leadership amid Funding Challenges

The AfDB depends partly on the African Development Fund (ADF), which is replenished every three years by international donors. The next funding cycle begins this November. However, the bank faces financial pressure due to the Trump administration’s decision to reduce US contributions by $555 million (£411 million), prioritising domestic spending instead. This cut forces the AfDB to seek innovative funding methods or new partners.

Despite these challenges, Adesina highlighted that the bank’s current capital has grown significantly, reaching $318 billion. Looking ahead, Tah plans to strengthen ties with Gulf states to boost infrastructure investment on the continent. His leadership comes at a critical time when Africa’s development needs require both local and international collaboration.

Tah’s election signals continuity and potential new partnerships for the AfDB as it pursues its mission to close Africa’s infrastructure and development gaps. His background in economic development in Africa and connections across the region are expected to play a key role in shaping the bank’s future direction.