Mauritanian candidate, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah has won the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB), emerging victorious after three decisive rounds of voting against four other contenders.
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah becomes the ninth president of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Ould Tah takes over from Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, who led the bank for two consecutive terms and was widely recognized for expanding the AfDB’s reach and influence across the continent.
Ould Tah secured an overwhelming 76.18% of the vote, beating Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo, who garnered 20.26%, and Senegal’s Amadou Hott, who came in with 3.55%. Chad’s Mahamat Abbas Tolli was the first to be eliminated in the race after earning just 0.88%, followed by South Africa’s Swazi Tshabalala, who exited with 5.9%.
Ould Tah, who entered the final rounds as the frontrunner, consolidated support from both regional and non-regional member countries, clinching the majority needed to win.
His victory marks a significant milestone for Mauritania, elevating its presence within Africa’s premier development finance institution.
In his victory speech, Ould Tah pledged to strengthen the AfDB’s mission of promoting sustainable development, financing critical infrastructure, and supporting economic transformation across the continent.
The African Development Bank, headquartered in Abidjan, plays a key role in shaping Africa’s development agenda, with billions of dollars in project financing under its portfolio.
Ould Tah’s leadership will come under the spotlight as the institution navigates major challenges, from climate change and energy transition to youth employment and debt sustainability.
