New AfDB President outlines reform, youth, partnership agenda

September 2, 2025 by Timilehin Babatope

The newly elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, has pledged to prioritise institutional reforms, stronger partnerships, and empowerment of youths and women during his first 100 days in office.

Speaking in his inaugural address yesterday in Abidjan, Ould Tah said the bank must urgently reposition itself as a responsive institution capable of tackling Africa’s most pressing development challenges.

He outlined four immediate priorities to inlcude listening to stakeholders, launching a fast-track reform agenda, deepening partnerships, and accelerating solutions for inclusive growth.

“Empowering youths and women is central. It requires finance, mentorship and technology. By supporting our talents, we will build a bright future,” Ould Tah said.

Read Also: Terror financing, others: CJN Kekere-Ekun assures of Judiciary’s support for Nigeria’s exit from FATF grey list

He emphasised that reforms would target faster operations, efficient delivery, and the removal of bureaucratic bottlenecks. Partnerships, he noted, would be strengthened with African and global institutions, as well as private sector actors, to mobilise large-scale resources.

The new AfDB president also promised to push practical solutions to boost access to finance, create jobs, and unlock the continent’s industrial and financial potential.

“We will be the bank that bridges divides between regions, between ambitions and execution, between public and private, between urgency and bureaucracy. The time for delivery has begun. Together, let us transform Africa’s promise into prosperity,” he declared.

Born on December 31, 1964, in Mederdra, Mauritania, Ould Tah holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, France, and has held several advanced degrees in economics from universities in Paris and Nouakchott.

He was elected in May 2025 as the ninth President of the AfDB after winning 76.18 per cent of total votes and 72.37 per cent of regional votes in the third round of balloting, defeating four other contenders.

Ould Tah succeeds Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose 10-year tenure ended this week

Abuja doctor reveals a unique way to permanently cure weak erection, small and shameful manhood, and infertility issues without side effects within a short period. Click now to see!!

Professionals in Nigeria can now earn US Dollars Monthly ($25,000 to $45,000) from Civil and Public Servants, IT Professionals, Doctors, Engineers, Senior Bankers, Entrepreneurs, Military Personnel, Lawyers, Finance experts and others. You can now confidently earn in US Dollars while in Nigeria. Click here to start.