On a rainswept morning in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, history was made as Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, from Mauritania, took the oath of office as the ninth President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
The ceremony, held at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, marked the beginning of a new era for Africa’s premier development finance institution.
Dignitaries in attendance included Côte d’Ivoire’s President Alassane Ouattara and Mauritania’s President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, alongside former AfDB leaders Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina and Dr. Donald Kaberuka.
With over 76% of shareholder votes in the May 2025 election—the highest ever margin for a first-term president—Dr. Ould Tah assumes office with strong continental backing.
Pan-African Endorsements and Expectations
President Ouattara described the transition as “a milestone at a historic moment,” while President Ghazouani called it “a heavy responsibility” to strengthen the Bank’s role in driving peace, prosperity, and development across Africa.
The swearing-in was presided over by Congo’s economy minister, Ludovic Ngatse, in his role as Chair of the AfDB Board of Governors. International partners, civil society leaders, and diplomats were also present, underlining the institution’s importance for Africa’s future.
Inaugural Address: Four Cardinal Points
In his inaugural speech, President Ould Tah pledged a bold reform agenda, centered on what he called the Four Cardinal Points:
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Listening intently to African voices
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Launching a fast-track reform agenda
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Deepening partnerships
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Accelerating real solutions
He emphasized that the AfDB must
“bridge divides—between regions, ambitions and execution, public and private, urgency and bureaucracy.”
Core Priorities Outlined by AfDB President Ould Tah
| Priority | Description | Early Action Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Listening | Engaging member states, staff, and communities | Townhall with staff planned |
| Reform | Fast-track governance and efficiency reforms | 100-day action roadmap |
| Partnerships | Stronger ties with governments, private sector, and global funds | Expand beyond traditional finance |
| Solutions | Real, measurable projects for African people | Investment in peace initiatives |
Partnerships and Investment Models
Ould Tah promised to expand AfDB’s partnerships beyond established institutions like the International Development Finance Club and the Arab Coordination Group, reaching into sovereign funds and pension funds. He also committed to integrating investment in peace as a dedicated financing pillar.
His vision places AfDB as a “navigator” for Africa, helping the continent steer through demographic, technological, and climate challenges while defining its own course.
Proven Experience and Track Record
Prior to this appointment, Ould Tah served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), where he oversaw a historic transformation that grew assets from $4 billion to nearly $7 billion and achieved top credit ratings. His career includes roles as Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Finance, and as governor on boards of AfDB, World Bank, and Islamic Development Bank.
Fluent in multiple languages, with a PhD in Economics from France, Ould Tah brings decades of experience in economic policy and development banking.
Notable Achievements
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Oversaw BADEA’s growth from $4 to $7 billion in assets
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Maintained AfDB’s AAA credit rating for 10 consecutive years
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Strengthened transparency, with AfDB scoring 98.8% globally
AfDB A Bank for Africa’s Future
The AfDB enters this new chapter with $318 billion in capital and a track record of $102 billion in development financing over the past decade. Dr. Ould Tah’s leadership promises reforms that prioritize African perspectives while aligning with global megatrends.
With Africa at a crossroads of demographic shifts, digital transformation, and climate challenges, the AfDB’s role as a catalyst for sustainable growth is set to deepen under Ould Tah’s leadership.
Closing Perspective
The swearing-in ceremony reinforced confidence that the AfDB will continue to serve as Africa’s financial compass. As Ould Tah stated, the Bank must focus where it can make the biggest difference, always with the spirit of partnership.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
Sources: African Development Bank Group (AfDB), APO Group.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.