Sidi Ould Tah Elected Ninth President of African Development Bank Group

Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has been elected the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, following a vote by the Bank’s Board of Governors during its Annual Meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Board, comprising finance ministers and central bank governors from the Bank's 81 member countries, selected Tah to serve a five-year term starting 1 September 2025, succeeding Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose second mandate ends this year.

Meanwhile, fellow candidate Dr. Samuel Munzele Maimbo, a World Bank Vice President and Zambian national, has congratulated Mr. Tah on his election. 

Dr. Maimbo, who was endorsed by both SADC and COMESA, expressed gratitude to governments, private sector partners, and youth supporters of his campaign.

 “The work for Africa’s development and prosperity must continue. I remain committed to our shared goals of building a thriving continent,” he said.

Dr. Maimbo brought over 20 years of experience in development finance to his candidacy. His campaign focused on advancing intra-African trade and promoting a coordinated approach to economic growth.

Although the presidency went to Mr. Tah, Dr. Maimbo’s vision and commitment have reaffirmed his role as a prominent advocate for Africa’s economic transformation.