The African Development Bank (AfDB) is on the cusp of a historic leadership transition, with Mauritania’s Mohamed Ould Tah emerging as a frontrunner for the presidency, backed by widespread continental endorsement. This development signals a potential shift in the bank’s priorities as it navigates Africa’s economic challenges.
This month, Ould Tah, a seasoned economist and former director-general of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, has garnered support from key African leaders during consultations ahead of the AfDB’s presidential election, expected later this year. His candidacy follows the end of Akinwumi Adesina’s tenure, which was marked by ambitious infrastructure projects and youth empowerment initiatives. Ould Tah’s platform emphasizes climate resilience, intra-African trade, and debt restructuring, resonating with nations grappling with post-COVID economic recovery and global inflation.
Ould Tah’s rise reflects a broader push for North African representation in the AfDB, which has historically been led by West or East African figures. His experience in mobilizing funds for development projects across the Sahel and Maghreb regions has won praise, though some analysts question his ability to navigate geopolitical rivalries within the bank’s 54-member states.
The endorsement process, involving heads of state and finance ministers, has been described as rigorous, with Ould Tah’s diplomatic skills and multilingualism cited as strengths. As the AfDB prepares for its annual meeting, the focus is on ensuring a smooth transition to maintain the bank’s role as a catalyst for Africa’s growth, particularly in financing sustainable development goals.