The newly elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Mr. Sidi Ould Tah, has officially assumed office with a strong promise to serve Africa with humility, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility.
Tah, a seasoned development expert from Mauritania, made this pledge during his acceptance speech at the AfDB Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Thursday. He addressed African finance ministers, governors of the Bank, and dignitaries from across the continent in his first formal remarks as the new head of Africa’s leading development finance institution.
“It is with great humility and a sense of responsibility that I speak to you at this special moment,” Tah said. “I would like to thank Africa for the trust it has placed in me. I fully appreciate the duty that comes with this responsibility.”
Tah paid tribute to his home country, Mauritania, and President Mohamed Ould El-Ghazaouani for their vital support in his successful campaign. He noted that the president’s strong backing and diplomatic efforts played a key role in his election.
“I thank my country and President El-Ghazaouani, who supported my candidacy and made tireless efforts to ensure the success we have just witnessed,” he added.
The new AfDB president also expressed heartfelt appreciation to African leaders and institutions for their solidarity throughout the election process. He reserved special praise for his campaign team, acknowledging their dedication and hard work.
“I want to make a special mention of my team, who did a remarkable job from beginning to end. I express my deepest gratitude to them,” he said.
However, Tah was quick to move beyond celebration, urging stakeholders to focus on the task ahead. “Now, let us go to work! I am ready,” he declared.
Sidi Ould Tah succeeds Nigeria’s Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who completed two successful terms as AfDB president. Adesina is widely respected for increasing the bank’s capital base and enhancing its influence in financing major infrastructure and development projects across Africa.
As Tah steps into this important role, many African leaders and development partners are hopeful that he will build on the progress achieved under his predecessor. His leadership is expected to focus on deepening regional integration, improving access to finance for development projects, and addressing pressing challenges such as poverty, climate change, and food security.
With a background in agricultural development and public policy, Tah is not new to the development space. His experience is expected to help him steer the AfDB in meeting its core objectives of promoting sustainable economic growth and reducing poverty in Africa.
The AfDB, established in 1964, is Africa’s premier multilateral development finance institution, with a mission to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries.
