African Development Bank: ‘Why I Selected Sidi Ould Tah’
Published by
John Awhanjinu
The African Development Bank (AfDB) stands at an important moment as it approaches its presidential election during the Annual Meetings set for May 27-29, 2025, in Abidjan. Among the standout candidates is Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah, whose nomination has sparked widespread discussion about the future direction of one of Africa’s most influential financial institutions. Currently the Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), Ould Tah brings a remarkable blend of experience, strategic vision, and a proven track record that could redefine the AfDB’s role in driving the continent’s economic transformation. Let’s explore the significance of his candidacy, its potential impact, and the outcomes Africa might expect if he takes the helm.
An Outstanding Candidate
Sidi Ould Tah’s journey to this point is a testament to his deep-rooted expertise in development finance. With nearly 40 years of experience, he has held pivotal roles such as Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, a senior official at the Islamic Development Bank, and, since 2015, the head of BADEA. His academic credentials, a Ph.D. in economics from France’s University of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis complement his practical achievements, including steering BADEA through global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict. At BADEA, he’s championed sustainable development, infrastructure investment, and stronger economic ties between Arab and African nations, disbursing over $1.5 billion in financing since 2015.
This resume isn’t just impressive, it is tailor-made for the AfDB’s challenges. The bank, tasked with funding Africa’s growth amid climate change, youth unemployment, and infrastructure gaps, needs a leader who can hit the ground running. Ould Tah’s candidacy, backed by Mauritania’s government and endorsed by figures like Tanzanian economist Frannie Léautier (a former AfDB and World Bank vice president), signals a shift toward pragmatic, results-driven leadership.
The Impact of His Potential Leadership
If elected, Ould Tah’s tenure could have profound implications for Africa’s economic landscape. His experience suggests a focus on three key areas: infrastructure, financial inclusion, and regional integration.
Infrastructure Acceleration: Africa’s infrastructure deficit—estimated by the AfDB to require $130-$170 billion annually—remains a bottleneck to growth. Ould Tah’s track record at BADEA, where he funded roads, energy projects, and agricultural initiatives, hints at a presidency that prioritizes shovel-ready projects. His ability to mobilize funds during crises could see the AfDB scale up investments in renewable energy and transport networks, critical for boosting trade and industrialization.
Financial Inclusion and SME Growth: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) employ over 80% of Africa’s workforce, yet access to credit remains elusive. Ould Tah’s work at BADEA emphasized supporting underserved sectors, and he could steer the AfDB toward innovative financing models—like digital lending platforms or blended finance—to empower entrepreneurs, particularly women and youth.
Regional Integration: Ould Tah’s vision of an “integrated, industrialized Africa” aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063. His leadership at BADEA fostered Arab-African collaboration, and he could push the AfDB to deepen ties among Africa’s 54 nations, perhaps by fast-tracking projects under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This could unlock intra-African trade, projected to grow by 52% by 2035 with proper investment.
Expected Outcomes
Ould Tah’s presidency could yield tangible results within his first term. Economically, Africa’s GDP growth, currently at 3.7% in 2024 and forecasted to reach 4.3% in 2025 could accelerate if his policies attract private capital and streamline project execution. His crisis management skills might also stabilize economies hit by external shocks, like rising food prices or debt distress (40% of African countries are at high risk of debt default, per the IMF). Socially, his focus on jobs and inclusion could reduce poverty, with 433 million Africans still living below $1.90 a day.
However, challenges loom. Winning over the AfDB’s 81 member states—54 African and 27 non-African—requires diplomatic finesse, especially with competition from other candidates (like Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, the incumbent seeking re-election). Critics might question whether Ould Tah’s Arab-African focus could overshadow Sub-Saharan priorities. Yet, his multilingual background (Arabic, French, English) and global experience could bridge divides, making him a unifying figure.
Broader Implications
Beyond economics, Ould Tah’s leadership could elevate Africa’s voice globally. As climate finance takes center stage, he might push for more AfDB-led green initiatives, building on its $25 billion climate investment since 2016. Politically, a successful term could strengthen Mauritania’s influence, shifting power dynamics in North Africa and the Sahel, a region grappling with security and development needs.
In short, Sidi Ould Tah’s candidacy isn’t just about one man—it’s about Africa’s ambition to turn potential into progress. His election could mark a turning point, blending bold vision with the nuts-and-bolts know-how to get things done.
John Awhanjinu
Awhanjinu John studied Economics at Redeemers University. He is keen on financial modelling and corporate finance.
