Abidjan, the economic capital of Côte d’Ivoire, hosted the swearing-in ceremony of Sidi Ould Tah on September 1, 2025. The Mauritanian officially becomes president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). He succeeds Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina, after his election in May 2025. This event marks a major milestone for the pan-African institution.
Mauritanian economist and former minister Sidi Ould Tah was officially sworn in onMonday, September 1, 2025, in Abidjan as the new president of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, succeeding Nigerian Akinwumi Adesina. Elected on May 29, 2025, at the institution’s 60th General Assembly with 76.18% of the vote, the former head of BADEA begins a five-year renewable term. The ceremony, attended by Presidents Alassane Ouattara (Côte d’Ivoire) and Mohamed Ould Ghazouani (Mauritania), symbolizes the opening of a new era for the continent’s leading multilateral financial institution.
“I, Sidi Ould Tah, President of the African Development Bank, hereby solemnly undertake, before the Chairman of the Board of Governors and the members of the Board of Directors, to respect the provisions of the Agreement establishing the African Development Bank, to comply with its regulations, and to fully discharge my duties and functions, as set out in the texts governing the institution.”
SIDI OULD TAH, President of the African Development Bank – Mauritania
Taking the oath of office before the governors representing the 81 AfDB member countries, the new head of the AfDB Group, who begins his term in a complex geopolitical context, expresses confidence in the challenges that await him. Presidents Mohamed Ould Ghazouani of Mauritania and Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire, key supporters of Sidi Ould Tah, reaffirmed their support for the AfDB President in the exercise of his duties.
“Member countries have always rigorously ensured that experience, competence and professionalism are determining criteria in the choice of the Bank’s president. It is in this spirit that Mauritania submitted the candidacy of Mr. Sidi Ould Tah, a seasoned economist with solid experience, notably as Minister of Economic Affairs.”
MOHAMED OULD GHAZOUANI, President of the Republic – Mauritania
“Africa, more than ever, must reclaim its place on the world stage. In this regard, the African Development Bank is a crucial instrument, and President Sidi Ould, with his experience, should succeed in this mission. ”
DIDIER ACOUÉTEY, CEO of AfricSearch – Côte d’Ivoire
This inauguration of the 9th President of the AfDB Group marks a symbolic milestone for the institution, reaffirming its commitment to a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Africa. In a context of economic and climate challenges, his arrival illustrates the shareholders’ desire to strengthen the Bank’s strategic role in development financing and continental integration
