Adesina bows out as African Development Bank welcomes new president, Sidi Ould Tah

Outgoing Dr. Akinwumi Adesina & incoming Dr. Sidi Ould Tah as the 9th President

By Felicia Nwosu

A defining era at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) came to a close today as Dr. Akinwumi Adesina stepped down after a decade of transformative leadership.

He therefore, handed the baton to Mauritanian economist Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, who becomes the Bank’s 9th President.

Ceremony of Continuity

The swearing-in ceremony in Abidjan marked more than a routine leadership change.

Instead, it symbolized continuity, renewal, and the resilience of Africa’s foremost development finance institution.

An Emotional Farewell

Adesina’s farewell was filled with emotion. “Serving as President of the African Development Bank has been the greatest honor and privilege of my professional career.

Ten years ago, we embarked on a journey together, a journey of transformative growth for our Bank and for our continent,” he told the gathering.

Remarkable Achievements

His words carried the weight of remarkable achievements. Under his stewardship, AfDB’s capital base expanded from $93 billion to $318 billion, while its projects touched the lives of more than 565 million people across Africa.

From lighting up homes with electricity to securing food supplies, improving healthcare as well as opening roads.

Equally, it includes expanding access to clean water, the Bank’s “High 5” priorities Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa became a development blueprint for the continent.

Strengthening the Institution

Adesina leaves behind an institution that not only grew stronger financially but also deepened its credibility, maintaining a coveted triple-A rating and scaling up infrastructure financing worth more than $55 billion.

His legacy is also tied to regional integration, with the Bank providing key support to the African Continental Free Trade Area.

A New Dawn with Dr. Tah

Now, the torch passes to Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, elected in May with 76.18% of the votes from the Bank’s governors.

Born in 1964, the same year the Bank itself was founded, Dr. Tah arrives at the helm with symbolism and high expectations.

In his acceptance, he pledged to build on Adesina’s foundation while steering the Bank into a new era of innovation, inclusivity, and economic transformation.