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Economic development

African Development Bank Group Elects New President

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) will hold a swearing-in ceremony for incoming President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Dr. Tah, a national of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, was elected to the post on May 29, 2025, with 76.18 percent of the votes, marking a leadership transition for the continent's most important multilateral financial institution. As the newly elected AfDB President, Dr. Tah succeeds outgoing Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina, who concluded his ten-year mandate following a decade of reforms and major achievements for the continent's development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) will hold a swearing-in ceremony for incoming President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, on September 1, 2025, in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
  • Dr. Tah, a 60-year-old national of Mauritania, was elected to the post on May 29, 2025, with 76.18 percent of the votes from 81 member countries (54 African and 27 non-regional).
  • The incoming President succeeds outgoing Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina, whose ten-year mandate concludes following a decade of reforms and major achievements for the continent's development.
  • Dr. Tah has extensive experience in development finance management and international cooperation, having previously served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) since 2015.
  • The swearing-in ceremony will mark a major milestone in the governance of the African Development Bank Group, with expected attendees including heads of state and government, international institutions, development partners, and civil society actors.
  • Dr. Tah's election reflects the shareholders' desire to further strengthen the Bank's role as a catalyst for development finance, regional integration, and climate resilience in Africa.

Statistics:

  • 81 member countries (54 African and 27 non-regional) voted for Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, with 76.18 percent of the votes.
  • Dr. Tah succeeds outgoing Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina, who concluded his ten-year mandate following a decade of reforms and major achievements for the continent's development.
  • 27 non-regional member countries are among the 81 member countries that represent Dr. Tah's global support.
  • As the newly elected AfDB President, Dr. Tah will become the ninth President of the institution.

Sources:

  • The Ethiopian News Agency - "African Development Bank Group Elects New President, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah" (no date provided)
  • The African Development Bank Group (no date provided)

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