African Development Bank Elects Tah as New President

The African Development Bank has elected Sidi Ould Tah as its new president. Tah, a former finance minister of Mauritania, won with 76.2% of the vote. He replaces Nigeria's Akinwumi Adesina and must address the bank's finances after the US proposed cutting $555 million in support. Tah must also navigate challenges from other key funders diverting aid to domestic needs.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has elected Sidi Ould Tah as its new president. Tah, a former finance minister of Mauritania, won the election with 76.2% of the vote, defeating four other candidates. He will succeed Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, who steps down in September after a decade at the helm [1].

Tah's election comes at a critical time for the AfDB. The bank must address financial challenges, including a proposed cut of $555 million in support from the U.S. and other key funders redirecting aid to domestic needs [1]. Tah, known for his experience in development banking, will need to reinforce the bank’s financial stability and navigate these geopolitical considerations.

The election process was competitive, with five candidates vying for the presidency. The candidates included Amadou Hott, a former Senegalese Planning Minister; Samuel Munzele Maimbo, a Zambian economist; Abbas Mahamat Tolli, Chad’s central banker; and Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala, a South African corporate captain who previously served as Vice-President of the AfDB [2]. Tah's victory was notable, particularly given the geopolitical dynamics at play, such as the rivalry between Zambia and South Africa [2].

The AfDB's election process is governed by a set of rules that require candidates to obtain more than half of the votes from African member countries and more than half of the votes from all member countries, both regional and non-regional. This ensures that the bank's leadership reflects a balance of African and non-African interests [2].

Tah's appointment marks a shift in leadership, with the bank's 60-year history featuring nine presidents, including Dr Adesina and Donald Kaberuka [2]. Tah will need to build on the achievements of his predecessors while addressing the current financial and geopolitical challenges.

References:
[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-05-29/african-development-bank-elects-mauritania-s-tah-as-president
[2] https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/business-tech/the-race-for-afdb-president-how-the-bank-elects-its-leader-5061238