DOREEN NAWA
Lusaka
AFRICAN Development Bank Group (AfDB) yesterday ushered in Sidi Ould Tah as its ninth president, succeeding Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, whose decade-long tenure transformed the institution into a leading force for Africa’s development.
The ceremony, held at Sofitel Abidjan Hôtel Ivoire in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, was chaired by Ludovic Ngatsé, Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Integration of the Republic of Congo and chair of the AfDB board of governors.
Among the dignitaries present were President Alassane Ouattara, of Côte d’Ivoire, and President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, of Mauritania, alongside finance ministers, central bank governors, development partners, diplomats, and AfDB staff.
Dr Tah, 60, a Mauritanian national, formally took the oath of office before AfDB’s governors. His election on May 29 in Abidjan earned him 76.18 percent of the vote from the bank’s 81 member countries—54 African and 27 non-regional shareholders.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr Tah pledged to consolidate the gains achieved under Adesina’s leadership while scaling up efforts to foster inclusive growth, strengthen regional integration, and boost climate resilience.
“I accept this responsibility with humility and determination,” he said.
“Africa is at a critical juncture. Our bank must be the catalyst that accelerates sustainable development, strengthens regional cooperation, and delivers tangible results for our people.”
Dr Tah previously served as president of Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015, a role that gave him extensive experience in mobilising finance for African economies.
His election, observers noted, reflects the confidence of shareholders in his ability to steer the bank through pressing challenges such as food security, debt sustainability, and industrial transformation.
Outgoing president Adesina was honoured during the event for his reformist agenda, which expanded the bank’s lending capacity and sharpened its focus on the ‘High 5’ priorities: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
