As the African Development Bank (AfDB) prepares to elect its next president on May 29th, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania has emerged as a leading candidate. With the election fast approaching, Dr. Ould Tah’s candidacy has garnered significant support from across the continent, positioning him as a strong contender to succeed Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. His vision for the AfDB, coupled with endorsements from key African political and economic figures, highlights a growing confidence in his ability to navigate the challenges facing the continent.

The election arrives at a critical juncture. Africa grapples with economic headwinds, including sovereign debt, currency devaluation, and the escalating impacts of climate change. The selection of the next AfDB president is therefore of paramount importance, demanding a leader who can blend ambition with pragmatic solutions.

The AfDB’s role in driving socio-economic advancement in Africa is undeniable, particularly given Dr. Adesina’s legacy of ambitious projects and initiatives. However, the next president will need to prioritize execution, grounding bold plans in the realities of the current economic landscape. As one expert noted, “The next AfDB president must navigate a turbulent economic landscape… The task ahead… demands not just advocacy but execution.”

Dr. Ould Tah’s campaign has transitioned from a quiet effort to what some are calling a continental movement. His blend of financial acumen, innovative public financing solutions, multilateral experience, and a commitment to youth empowerment has resonated with many. “With ringing endorsements from African economic and political heavyweights… his candidacy is no longer a quiet campaign—it’s a continental movement,” a supporter noted. An independent poll by Heritage Times suggests Dr. Ould Tah is currently in a strong position among the candidates.

Speaking at a press conference in Nouakchott, Dr. Ould Tah outlined his vision for the AfDB, emphasizing the need to scale up Africa’s financing, reform its financial architecture, harness the continent’s youthful demography, and develop resilient infrastructure while enhancing value addition. He aims to bolster the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), seeking to dismantle the reliance on imports from outside the continent by investing in cross-border infrastructure and supporting payment systems like PAPSS. “The AfDB must take a leading role in actualizing the African Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA),” he stated.

Dr. Ould Tah also sees the potential US funding cuts as an opportunity to redefine partnerships, focusing on private-sector-led investment within Africa. This approach aligns with his broader strategy of empowering African nations to take greater control of their economic destinies.

While Dr. Ould Tah is considered a frontrunner, other candidates also bring valuable experience to the table. Mr. Amadou Hott of Senegal offers a strong background in both private and public finance. However, his ties to the outgoing president, coupled with lingering questions about governance and a lack of unified regional support, present challenges. Dr. Samuel Maimbo of Zambia, a World Bank veteran, possesses global development credentials, but some view him as a ‘Western candidate,’ questioning his Pan-African credentials and noting the loss of backing from the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Mr. Abbas Mahamat Tolli of Chad brings deep banking experience from Central Africa but faces limitations due to the region’s voting power. His tenure at the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) was also marked by controversies and strained relationships with some countries. Ms. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa, a senior AfDB expert and the only female candidate, suffers from divided SADC support, a strained relationship with the outgoing president, and questions about continuity.

In contrast, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah presents a fresh face to the Bank, appealing to those seeking a complete break from the current administration. “Dr. Sidi Ould Tah presents a fresh face to the continent’s apex Bank, appealing to those demanding a complete break from the outgoing administration and norms.” His strategy focuses on mobilizing capital through innovative instruments like diaspora and green bonds, improving financial efficiency, and forging partnerships with investors from the Global South.

He also proposes operational reforms to improve speed and accountability, streamline decision-making, and focus on measurable goals. To strengthen governance, Dr. Ould Tah intends to empower the Board and foster a more inclusive leadership approach. His vision extends beyond traditional development banking.

Dr. Ould Tah’s legacy at the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) demonstrates his commitment to empowering SMEs, launching initiatives like the Global Coalition for African SMEs and pioneering the 100,000 SMEs Campaign. He also emphasizes the importance of supporting value chains through collaborations with organizations like AfCFTA, AUDA-NEPAD, and AFD. “Africa must climb up the value chain. Supporting youth entrepreneurship, encouraging industrial clusters, and investing in digital infrastructure will also be critical,” he explained.

His candidacy has received a series of endorsements, most notably from the Republic of Benin, with President Patrice Talon dispatching a delegation to Mauritania. Dr. Ould Tah also convened a high-level meeting with Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama to discuss strategic support. Furthermore, Alassane Ouattara of Côte d’Ivoire is expected to offer his endorsement, bringing significant voting power to Dr. Ould Tah’s campaign. “Our brother Sidi Ould Tah has the profile and the skills required to turn the AfDB into the true development tool the continent needs today,” a source close to President Ouattara noted.

As the election approaches, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah’s candidacy for AfDB President is defined by a clear vision, strong endorsements, and a proven track record in African development. His focus on innovative financing, operational reforms, and support for SMEs positions him as a strong contender to lead the African Development Bank into a new era of growth and impact. His continental endorsement demonstrates the confidence that many African nations have in his ability to navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. With Dr. Ould Tah at the helm, the AfDB could see a renewed focus on pan-African solutions and sustainable development.