The newly elected President of AfDB, Sidi Ould Tah, from Mauritania, has assumed office, succeeding Nigeria’s Dr Adesina Akunwunmi.

On May 29, Tah, a seasoned economist and development finance expert from Mauritania, secured 76.18 percent of the votes in the election held during the AfDB’s annual meetings in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

At the annual meeting 2025, the newly elected president, in his victory speech, expressed enthusiasm and readiness to begin his presidential duties.

Tah emphasised collaboration and hard work as key to addressing challenges, adding that his administration focuses on economic development and social reform.

He also thanked President Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire for the pivotal role played in his swearing-in, and President Mohamed Ghezouani of Mauritania for trusting him and mobilising national support.

The economist also extended gratitude to the Mauritanian government, traditional and religious authorities, the private sector, civil society, brotherly countries, and the governors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) for their trust and support.

Tah said he would work with all stakeholders in a spirit of consultation and collegiality to continue the mission of building a robust and prosperous Africa.

He also acknowledged the great work done by his predecessors in consolidating the AfDB into the major financial institution it is today.

“Dear brothers and sisters, I would like you to know that the ideas which you had, the proposals which you tabled, and the convictions which were expressed are well appreciated, and I would draw inspiration from them,” he said.

“I would also like to extend my gratitude to African intellectuals from all segments, media, the civil society, and all those who came on board to enrich discussions and debates on the African Development Bank as well as its impact on the continent.”