By Peter Omopo
1st September 2025
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah has been sworn in as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), formally assuming office in a ceremony held on Monday at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, Côte d’Ivoire.
The swearing-in, which began at 12:05 GMT, saw Tah take the oath of office before the Bank’s governors—comprising Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of AfDB member countries. He succeeds Nigeria’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose ten-year tenure is credited with major reforms and significant achievements in Africa’s development landscape.
The ceremony drew high-level dignitaries including Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara, Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Congo’s Minister of Economy Ludovic Ngatsé (Chair of the AfDB Board of Governors), outgoing AfDB President Adesina, as well as representatives of international organizations, development partners, diplomats, private sector leaders, civil society, the Bank’s Board of Directors, and AfDB staff.
In his inaugural address delivered at 12:15 GMT, Tah pledged to consolidate the Bank’s role as a leading catalyst for Africa’s economic growth, regional integration, and climate resilience.
Tah, 60, is a Mauritanian economist with decades of experience in development finance and international cooperation. Before his election, he served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa since 2015, and previously held senior positions in Mauritania, including Minister of Economy and Finance.
He was elected on May 29, 2025, in Abidjan, securing 76.18% of the votes from the Bank’s 81 member countries (54 African and 27 non-regional).
His election, according to the AfDB, reflects shareholders’ confidence in his ability to build on Adesina’s legacy and steer the institution into a new era of inclusive growth and sustainable development for Africa.
