Dr. Sidi Ould Tah was elected President of the African Development Bank on May 29, 2025, securing a historic 76% vote—the highest first-term margin in the Bank's history. His election reflects strong confidence in his ability to drive reform, built on a 40-year career as an economist, minister, and development banker. Previously, as President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) from 2015-2025, he transformed it into a top-rated AAA institution, nearly doubling its assets while slashing non-performing loans to 0.4%.
Dr. Ould Tah is recognized for his strategic vision, launching BADEA’s first international bonds and establishing long-term strategic frameworks. He also demonstrated exceptional crisis leadership, seamlessly relocating BADEA’s headquarters from Sudan to Saudi Arabia during a period of conflict and pandemic, while simultaneously increasing annual disbursements by 357%.
A former Minister of Economy and Finance for Mauritania, he holds a PhD in Economics and is fluent in multiple languages. His career as both a policymaker and financier positions him as a trusted leader for a new era at the African Development Bank.
