Mauritania's Sidi Ould Tah takes office as new AfDB President

Mauritania's Sidi Ould Tah takes office as new AfDB President

He outlined four priorities for his first 100 days: listening intently, fast-tracking reforms, deepening partnerships, and accelerating practical solutions.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has a new boss. On Monday, Mauritania's Sidi Ould Tah was sworn in as president in Abidjan, replacing Nigeria's Akinwumi Adesina, who leaves after a decade at the helm.

The inauguration was a high-level affair, attended by Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara and Mauritanian's Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, alongside former AfDB chiefs Adesina and Donald Kaberuka.

The Republic of Congo's economy minister, Ludovic Ngatse, presided in his role as chair of the Bank's Board of Governors.

Ould Tah, 60, secured the presidency in May with more than 7 per cent of shareholder votes—the highest margin ever for a first-term candidate.

He outlined four priorities for his first 100 days: listening intently, fast-tracking reforms, deepening partnerships, and accelerating practical solutions.

"The Bank will be attentive, responsive, and capable of setting priorities that matter," he pledged.

He also promised to strengthen collaboration with governments, the private sector, and global partners "to create a financial framework that serves Africa on its own terms."

He inherits a formidable legacy. Under Adesina, the Bank expanded its clout, placing itself at the centre of Africa's investment and development agenda. Matching that record will be no easy task.

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