Dr.Sidi Ould Tah to be Sworn In as President of the African Growth bank Group
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is poised for a new era of leadership. On Monday, September 1, 2025, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah will officially become the ninth President of the institution during a swearing-in ceremony held at the Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. This transition marks a pivotal moment for Africa’s premier multilateral financial institution.
A Smooth Transition of Leadership
The ceremony will be chaired by Ludovic Ngatsé, the current Chair of the Board of Governors and Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration for the Republic of Congo. Dr. tah succeeds Akinwumi Adesina, whose impactful ten-year tenure concluded after a decade of significant reforms and advancements in African development.
Dr. Tah’s election on May 29, 2025, in Abidjan, was a resounding success, securing 76.18% of the votes cast by governors representing the Bank Group’s 81 member countries – 54 African nations and 27 non-regional members. This demonstrates strong confidence in his vision for the Bank’s future.
Who is Dr. Sidi Ould Tah?
Dr.Tah, a 60-year-old national of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He is a renowned economist with a proven track record in development finance and international cooperation. Before assuming the presidency, he served as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) as 2015.
His election signals a commitment from shareholders to bolster the AfDB’s role as a key driver of:
Development finance across the continent.
Regional economic integration.
Climate resilience initiatives.
Who Will Be Attending?
The inauguration will be a high-profile event,drawing leaders from across the continent and beyond. Expected attendees include:
Heads of state and government, including presidents Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire and Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania.
Representatives from international institutions and development partners.
Diplomats and representatives from the private sector and civil society.
Members of the AfDB’s Board of Directors and staff.
What Does This Mean for the Future of the AfDB?
This handover represents a major milestone in the governance of the African Development Bank Group. You can expect dr. Tah to build upon the successes of his predecessor while charting a new course for the bank. His focus will likely be on strengthening the AfDB’s impact as a catalyst for enduring and inclusive growth in Africa.
How to Follow the Event
For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be broadcast live on the Bank’s official digital platforms.
To follow the event live: Register here.
* Media Accreditation: Journalists wishing to cover the event in Abidjan should request accreditation before August 28, 2025, by emailing [email protected] and copying Mr. Alkassoum Aoudi Diallo at [email protected].
The African Development Bank Group is entering an exciting new chapter, and Dr. Sidi Ould Tah is well-positioned to led the institution in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the African continent.