AfDB: Sidi Ould Tah, the technocratic choice to lead Africa’s transformation

A seasoned technocrat, former minister, and seasoned banker, he succeeds Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina with the mission of guiding Africa through the challenges of profound economic, social, and climate change. His five-year term, which officially begins on September 1, 2025, promises to be decisive.

Dr Sidi Ould Tah – Elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) – @ Adil Faouzi

A controlled election based on a well-constructed coalition

A late entrant to the race, Sidi Ould Tah quickly made-up ground thanks to a skilfully orchestrated campaign. He won in the third round with 76.18% of the vote, far ahead of Zambian Samuel Maimbo (20.26%) and Senegalese Amadou Hott (3.55%).

The election has been decided according to the double majority principle, which involves a majority of votes from African countries and another from non-regional shareholders such as the United States, Japan, and Germany.

The Mauritanian’s success is based on a strong geopolitical alliance. Taking advantage of his country’s presidency of the African Union this year, the new AfDB president also received decisive support from Saudi Arabia and the Arab League countries.

It is this balancing act between sub-Saharan Africa and the Arab world that has enabled him to rally a broad coalition, both regionally and internationally.

A solid record of accomplishment for a technocratic profile

An economist by training and former Mauritanian Minister of Economy, Sidi Ould Tah has distinguished himself primarily at the helm of BADEA (Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa) since 2015.

Under his leadership, the institution has transitioned from a peripheral role to a central player in development financing. He has increased the annual volume of project approvals twelvefold and drastically reduced bad debts. The bank’s credit rating has even been upgraded.

This impressive record of accomplishment gives him strong technical legitimacy, reinforced by a structured and pragmatic vision of development. Unlike his predecessor, known for his charisma and flamboyant speeches, Ould Tah embodies a discreet but rigorous approach. A reassuring profile for donors and international partners in a context of global uncertainty.

A Healthy Institution that Needs Reinvention

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is approaching this new transition from a position of strength. Under Adesina, its capital has surged from $93 billion to $318 billion, and it has approved a record volume of projects in 2024.But the challenges remain considerable.

Despite its resources, the AfDB is often considered less proactive than its intercontinental counterparts. Calls are being raised for better optimization of its balance sheet and an increase in the capital effectively mobilized.

Sidi Ould Tah arrives with a mandate to strengthen the AfDB’s impact on the ground while consolidating its financial strength. He will certainly rely on the 2024-2033 ten-year strategy, structured around the “High 5s”: feed Africa, enlighten it, integrate it, industrialize it, and improve the quality of life. While he does not question these priorities, he intends to complement them with his own areas of action.

Ambitious Roadmap for a Resilient Africa

Surrounded by experienced figures such as Frannie Leautier, former Vice President of the World Bank, Ould Tah has outlined a four-pillar roadmap: reform of Africa’s financial architecture, transformation of the demographic dividend into an economic asset, sustainable industrialization, and increased capital mobilization.

His vision is to position the AfDB as an agile, innovative institution capable of responding to the continent’s urgent needs, whether in terms of energy transition, food sovereignty, or the fight against inequality. His ability to navigate technical requirements and diplomatic balances will be decisive in his actions.

In a rapidly changing continent, marked by geopolitical tensions, accelerated climate change, and a youth seeking a future, the AfDB should more than ever embody the hope of inclusive development. Sidi Ould Tah’s technocratic gamble has been taken. Now it is up to him to make it a reality.

By Yves Modestge Ngue