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Somalia has extended its congratulations to Dr. Sidi Ould Tah following his election as the ninth President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, hailing his appointment as a testament to his dedication to Africa’s economic and social advancement. The Somali government emphasized that Dr. Tah’s leadership comes at a critical time for the continent and expressed confidence in his ability to steer the institution toward innovation, resilience, and sustainable development.
In an official statement, Mogadishu highlighted the pivotal role the AfDB will play under Dr. Tah’s presidency in advancing transformative initiatives aligned with Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Somalia also expressed hope for deepened collaboration with the AfDB in key areas such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), infrastructure development, and climate change adaptation—pillars seen as vital to achieving Africa’s shared vision of prosperity and integration.
Dr. Tah, a Mauritanian economist, succeeds Akinwumi Adesina of Nigeria, whose tenure ends this year after a decade at the helm of the Bank. His election was secured in a tightly contested race, with Dr. Tah winning in the third round of voting with 76.18 percent of the total votes, defeating Zambia’s Samuel Maimbo and Senegal’s Amadou Hott. His victory underscores his extensive experience in development finance, having previously served as the Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) for a decade.
During his tenure at BADEA, Dr. Tah oversaw significant improvements in the bank’s credit rating and nearly doubled its assets from $4 billion to $7 billion. His leadership in economic policy and finance has positioned him well to guide the AfDB through a period marked by pressing development challenges and transformative opportunities. His vision for the AfDB is anchored on four pillars: mobilizing over $400 billion annually for Africa, reducing risk and borrowing costs for governments, formalizing the informal sector through SME financing and entrepreneurship programs, and investing in climate-resilient infrastructure.
Somalia’s endorsement of Dr. Tah’s leadership reflects its commitment to strengthening economic partnerships and leveraging AfDB resources for national development. The Somali government has been actively engaging with regional financial institutions to secure funding for infrastructure projects, energy development, and climate resilience initiatives. With Dr. Tah at the helm, Somalia anticipates enhanced cooperation in these areas, ensuring that AfDB-backed programs align with its economic recovery and growth strategies.
The African Union Commission has also welcomed Dr. Tah’s election, emphasizing the AfDB’s central role in delivering Agenda 2063 and advancing regional integration, infrastructure development, and inclusive prosperity. AU Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed the African Union’s full support for the Bank and expressed confidence in Dr. Tah’s ability to respond effectively to the continent’s most pressing challenges, including debt sustainability, food security, climate resilience, and digital innovation.
As Dr. Tah prepares to assume office, African nations, including Somalia, are optimistic about his leadership and the direction he will take in fostering economic transformation. His tenure is expected to bring renewed focus on sustainable development, financial inclusion, and strategic investments that will drive Africa’s growth in the coming years.