- The AfDB Board of Governors will elect a new president on May 29, with Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s term ending in August 2025
- Ould Tah has received broad regional endorsements, including from Benin and Ghana
- Five candidates are in the race, but Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania is seen as the favorite
In mid-February, at the African Development Bank (AfDB) headquarters in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Board of Governors’ Steering Committee met to vet candidates vying for the bank’s top job. With Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s second term ending this August, attention now turns to his successor—an appointment with far-reaching implications for the continent’s future.
Five candidates have been shortlisted for the decisive May 29 vote:
- Dr. Sidi Ould Tah (Mauritania)
- Mr. Amadou Hott (Senegal)
- Dr. Samuel Maimbo (Zambia)
- Mr. Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad)
- Ms. Bajabulile Tshabalala (South Africa)
Among them, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah is emerging as the clear frontrunner.
Adesina’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
Dr. Adesina’s tenure has been marked by ambitious advocacy and continental visibility, particularly in securing African interests on the global stage. However, his successor will inherit a complex landscape—rising debt, currency volatility, climate impacts, and dwindling donor funding.
The next AfDB president will need more than vision; they must implement bold, practical reforms to address the continent’s development bottlenecks and unlock private capital flows.
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah: A Leading Contender
Dr. Ould Tah, former President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), has garnered endorsements from powerful African leaders and blocs. His appeal lies in his broad multilateral experience, Pan-African focus, and track record in mobilizing capital for SMEs and infrastructure.
According to an internal poll by Heritage Times HT, Ould Tah is leading the race, buoyed by high-level endorsements from countries like Benin and Ghana. His platform focuses on:
- Scaling Africa’s financing
- Reforming financial architecture
- Harnessing youth potential
- Investing in cross-border infrastructure
- Advancing AfCFTA and PAPSS
He also advocates leveraging diaspora bonds and green financing to bridge AfDB’s funding gaps.
The Competition: Strong Profiles, Divided Support
Amadou Hott (Senegal)
A seasoned economist and former Minister of Economy under Macky Sall, Hott brings a mix of public and private finance experience. However, his close ties to Adesina and lack of broader ECOWAS backing may limit his appeal.
Dr. Samuel Maimbo (Zambia)
Currently at the World Bank, Maimbo boasts global development finance experience but is perceived as a “Western candidate.” SADC support has fragmented, with South Africa backing Tshabalala.
Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad)
A veteran central banker and former BEAC Governor, Tolli has limited regional traction and faces mixed reviews from his tenure at BEAC, including allegations of nepotism.
Bajabulile Tshabalala (South Africa)
The only female contender, Tshabalala has senior AfDB experience but lacks wide regional endorsements. Once aligned with Adesina, their relationship appears strained. Divided SADC support further weakens her campaign.
Ould Tah’s Vision for AfDB Reform
Dr. Ould Tah pledges to tackle AfDB’s three core issues:
- Financing Gaps
While the AfDB announces large funding goals, disbursements remain low. Ould Tah aims to expand capital through innovative tools like diaspora and green bonds, and deepen ties with Global South investors. - Operational Efficiency
He proposes fast-tracking project execution, simplifying internal processes, and setting measurable, impact-driven targets. - Governance Reform
He calls for empowering the Board of Governors, enhancing transparency, and engaging AfDB staff and partners in shaping institutional strategy.
A Proven Champion of Youth and SMEs
At BADEA, Dr. Ould Tah spearheaded transformative initiatives such as the 100,000 SMEs Campaign, targeting 1 million jobs. Under his leadership:
- BADEA’s capital surged 376% to $20 billion
- Assets rose from $4 billion to nearly $7 billion
- Moody’s awarded BADEA an AA1 rating—Africa’s second highest
His advocacy for youth entrepreneurship, industrial clusters, and digital infrastructure has made him a recognized champion of inclusive growth.
Bridge-Building Leadership for a New Era
Dr. Ould Tah’s pan-African outlook, combined with his ability to connect North, West, and Sub-Saharan Africa, positions him as a unifying figure. Fluent in Arabic, French, and English—with working knowledge of Spanish and Portuguese—he offers cross-cultural fluency essential for leading a diverse institution.
His BADEA 2030 Strategy, focused on infrastructure, agriculture, SMEs, and private sector development, reflects a visionary yet grounded approach to African development.
Momentum Builds Behind Ould Tah
Support continues to grow. Benin has formally endorsed him, with President Talon sending a high-level delegation to Mauritania. Ghana’s former President John Mahama has also expressed strategic support, signaling growing West African backing.
With a strong track record, bold reform agenda, and rising continental support, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah is positioning himself as the leader to usher AfDB into a new era of effectiveness, accountability, and pan-African progress.
