Sidi Ould Tah Sworn in as 9th AfDB President in Abidjan

Dr. Sidi Ould Tah was officially sworn in on Monday as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group during a high-profile ceremony at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire, Côte d’Ivoire. The Mauritanian economist, who succeeds Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, took the oath of office before the Bank’s governors, comprising Ministers of Finance and Central Bank Governors from member states.

The event was attended by regional leaders, international partners, and development stakeholders, including Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, Congo’s Minister of Economy Ludovic Ngatsé, and outgoing AfDB President Adesina. His election, with over 76% of member-country votes, reflects shareholders’ confidence in his ability to strengthen the Bank’s role in financing growth, fostering regional integration, and tackling climate challenges.

Before his election in May 2025, Tah served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) since 2015, and previously as Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Finance. His assumption of office marks a new era for AfDB as it continues to champion sustainable development, trade partnerships, and economic resilience across the continent.