Online Reporter
Africa Moyo in ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire
Former Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) president Dr Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania was yesterday elected to become the ninth African Development Bank Group president.
He was elected at the 2025 AfDB annual meetings which end today.
The results were announced by Ms Niale Kaba, the Minister of Planning and Development for Côte d’Ivoire and chairperson of the AfDB Board of Governors.
Dr Ould Tah received 76,18 percent of the vote while second placed Dr Samuel Munzele Maimbo of Zambia got 20,26 percent with Mr Amadou Hott of Senegal in third place with 3,55 percent of the vote.
The other two candidates were Ms Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa and Mr Tolli Abbas Mahamat of Chad.
In his acceptance speech, Dr Ould Tah thanked the AfDB Board of Governors for entrusting him with their votes and promised to work hard for the continent’s development.
Dr Maimbo immediately turned to X to congratulate Dr Ould Tah “on his successful election as the President-elect of the African Development Bank Group”.
“I entered this race driven by love and deep concern for our continent, and offered a vision for Africa’s future.
“Today, the Governors have chosen the leader they believe will best deliver the vision of the Africa we want at this pivotal moment.
“My profound gratitude goes to all the governments, private sector partners and young people who supported this campaign.
“The work for Africa’s development and prosperity continues and I remain committed to our shared goal of building a thriving continent,” he said.
The Zambian Ministry of Finance and National Planning also weighed in saying: “To everyone who believed in him, Dr Samuel Munzele Maimbo says, thank you.”
Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mr Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, also congratulated Dr Ould Tah.
