- Sidi Ould Tah was elected AfDB President on May 29, 2025, with 76.18% support, backed by his extensive development finance experience and broad international endorsements.
- He led major reforms, financed 200+ projects, advanced infrastructure, climate resilience, and human capital, earning multiple awards and honours at BADEA.
Sidi Ould Tah was elected the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) on May 29, 2025, securing 76.18% of the vote after three rounds during the bank’s annual meetings in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
A Track Record in Development Finance
Several key factors influenced his victory, particularly his extensive experience in development finance. Ould Tah brings nearly four decades of experience in development finance. He previously served as Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development and later as Minister of Economy and Finance.
Since 2015, he has led the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), driving major reforms, boosting the bank’s credit rating and mobilising over $1.5 billion in financing.
Leadership at BADEA: 2015–2025
From 2015 to 2025, as Director General of BADEA, Ould Tah launched numerous high-impact projects across the continent. He prioritised infrastructure development, climate resilience, support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and regional integration.
Leaders across Africa recognise Ould Tah for his dedication to economic integration and structural transformation. He also introduced an $18.375 billion plan to accelerate Africa’s development.
International and Regional Support
His candidacy drew support from several prominent figures and nations. Tanzanian economist Frannie Léautier, a former Vice President at the AfDB and the World Bank, endorsed him for his deep expertise and practical experience in multilateral development institutions. Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait and West African nations like Côte d’Ivoire and Benin, also backed his bid.
Diplomatic Strength and Multilingual Advantage
Fluent in Arabic, French, and English, Ould Tah’s multilingual abilities and diplomatic skills have been instrumental in building partnerships across diverse regions, facilitating greater collaboration between Africa and the Arab world.
Impact Assessment
Sidi Ould Tah deepened institutional collaboration with key regional entities such as Afreximbank, ECOWAS, and the Trade and Development Bank (TDB), laying a foundation for more integrated and impactful development initiatives.
One of the most tangible outcomes of Ould Tah’s tenure was his focus on infrastructure and economic connectivity. He oversaw the financing of over 200 infrastructure projects, including major urban upgrades in Senegal and enhanced rural road access across West Africa. These projects improved daily life in underserved communities.
Regarding agriculture and climate resilience, Ould Tah championed sustainability and innovation. He mobilised over $50 million to support climate-resilient agriculture in Benin’s Mono Valley, including developing a 1,500-hectare irrigation system. In The Gambia, he launched large-scale mangrove reforestation efforts that restored fragile ecosystems and empowered women and youth through community-based initiatives. His advocacy extended to global platforms, where he pushed for greater attention to green finance and food security.
Ould Tah also made significant strides in human capital development. He supported the expansion of universities and research centres in Burkina Faso and other countries, reinforcing the link between education and long-term economic growth. In East Africa, BADEA financed the construction of the Uganda Heart Institute, an important milestone in strengthening regional healthcare infrastructure. Across all projects, he clearly emphasised improving education, health, and financial inclusion for women, youth, and vulnerable populations.
Honours and Recognition
In recognition of his achievements, Ould Tah received numerous accolades. In 2025, Financial Afrik named him “Financier of the Year.” In 2022, he was honoured as “Development Banker of the Year.” Several African nations, including Mauritania, Chad, and Senegal, conferred national honors on him, while Niger awarded him an honourary distinction for BADEA’s contributions to its national development.