Dr. Sidi Ould TAH: an Ideal Candidate for the AfDB Presidency, Poised to Carry Forward Its Legacy of Success with Visionary Insights

As one of the aspiring African youths, I have had the privilege of witnessing the remarkable impact of Dr. Sidi Ould Tah’s leadership over the past decade as the President of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). His extensive experience and unwavering commitment to African economic development make him an exemplary candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Dr. Tah has served as a role model for me, inspiring my aspirations with his dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of many. Through this article, I aim to share my thoughts on Dr. Tah’s outstanding contributions.

Dr. Sidi Ould Tah’s extensive experience and proven leadership in African economic development position him as an exemplary candidate for the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB). His qualifications include:

I. Comprehensive Leadership in Development Finance:

As the Director General of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) since 2015, Dr. Ould Tah has transformed the institution into a highly rated multilateral development bank. Under his guidance, BADEA’s achieved AA+/AAA ratings. He implemented long-term strategic plans, such as BADEA 2030 and paving the way towards BADEA 2074. He introduced sustainable financing frameworks alongside enhanced governance standards.

Dr. Sidi Ould TAH has transformed BADEA into a global leader in development finance, bridging the Arab world and Africa through strategic partnerships and unprecedented financial commitments. His leadership has fortified Africa’s economic foundation, ensuring that investment, integration, and innovation drive sustainable prosperity across the continent. His vision for Africa’s future is clear: mobilize resources, build infrastructure, expand trade, and empower businesses—paving the way for a more resilient, self-sufficient, and prosperous Africa.

In the landscape of global development finance, few leaders have made an impact as profound as Dr. Sidi Ould TAH. A distinguished economist, strategist, and champion of Africa’s economic transformation, his leadership at the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) has been marked by innovation, resilience, and unwavering commitment to progress.

II.         Academic and Professional Credentials:

Holding a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis, France, Dr. Ould Tah has also completed executive programs at esteemed institutions like Harvard and the London Business School. This solid academic foundation complements his practical experience in economic and financial management. His expertise in investment, leadership, asset management, and financial engineering has driven a career dedicated to economic growth, financial stability, and inclusive development.

III.         Extensive Governmental Experience:

Serving as Mauritania’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development from 2008 to 2015, Dr. Ould Tah oversaw national development planning and budget management. He was instrumental in mobilizing over $3 billion in external financing and led economic reforms that improved Mauritania’s business environment, earning recognition in the World Bank’s Doing Business report.

IV.         Expertise in Multilateral Development Institutions:

Dr. Tah has significant expertise in multilateral development institutions, highlighted by his roles as a Financial Analyst at the Arab Authority for Agriculture, Investment & Development (AAAID) from 1996 to 1999, and various positions at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) from 1999 to 2006, including Technical Advisor to the President and Investment Promotion Officer. His extensive experience has provided him with deep insights into multilateral development bank operations, which align with the African Development Bank’s mission. Additionally, as an active Board member of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), Dr. Tah continues to support trade and investment across Africa, contributing to economic growth and development in the region.

Since assuming leadership at BADEA in 2015, Dr. Ould TAH has spearheaded a historic transformation, positioning the bank as a premier financial partner for Africa’s sustainable development. Under his leadership:

·       BADEA’s total financial commitments exceeded $15 billion, with over $10 billion dedicated to Africa’s development during his tenure.

·       He introduced new private sector and trade finance windows, significantly boosting Arab-Africa trade and facilitating the import of strategic commodities.

·       He led BADEA’s credit rating transformation, making it the second highest-rated bank in Africa (after the AfDB) and the highest-rated financial institution in the Arab world—a milestone that improved African countries’ access to more favorable financing terms.

·       Even amidst challenging global and regional circumstances, including the crisis in Sudan, BADEA’s host country for over 50 years, Dr. Ould TAH demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership. Despite these shocks, BADEA not only maintained its stability but also achieved its highest-ever annual commitment, surpassing $2.4 billion.

·       Under his leadership, BADEA approved an ambitious 9th Five-Year Plan (2025 – 2029) with allocations of over $18 billion, with over 70% dedicated to human-centred infrastructure and trade, underscoring his deep understanding of the continent’s development priorities.

·       Dr. Ould TAH played a pivotal role in strengthening Arab-African cooperation and driving strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating economic growth, enhancing food security, and supporting sustainable energy transition and infrastructure development in Africa.

V.             Some of his notable achievements include:

1. Leading BADEA’s Role in Establishing the AATB Program

·       BADEA was instrumental in launching the Arab-Africa Trade Bridges (AATB) Program, a multi-donor, multi-country, and multi-organization initiative.

·       The program aims to enhance trade and investment flows between Arab and African member countries, provide trade finance and export credit insurance, and support capacity-building in trade-related sectors.

2. Major Contribution to Arab Coordination Group (ACG) Initiatives

·       As a founding leader in ACG’s development initiatives, Dr. Tah ensured BADEA’s active participation in key climate and development projects.

·       BADEA was part of the ACG’s commitment of $24 billion for climate action, announced during COP 27 in 2022, reinforcing the institution’s dedication to climate resilience and sustainable financing in Africa.

·       BADEA also contributed to the allocation of $10 billion by 2030 to support the clean energy transition in targeted African nations.

3. Accelerating Infrastructure Development in Africa

·       With BADEA’s support, the Arab Coordination Group (ACG) launched a $50 billion initiative in 2023 to accelerate infrastructure development across Africa.

·       This initiative focuses on enhancing transport networks, expanding renewable energy projects, and developing urban infrastructure, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth across the continent.

4. Advancing Africa’s Energy Transition

·       BADEA played an active role in the 2023 Energy Transformation Initiative, which was launched at COP 28, committing $10 billion to support renewable and sustainable energy projects in Africa.

·       This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental sustainability, ensuring a clean energy future for the continent.

VI.         A Vision for Africa’s Future

Dr. Ould TAH’s influence extends beyond infrastructure and finance. His global call to establish a coalition to support SMEs reflects his enduring commitment to inclusive growth and entrepreneurship, recognizing that Africa’s prosperity lies in empowering its small businesses.

His advocacy for climate finance has also been instrumental, with BADEA actively supporting climate initiatives, aligning with the Arab Coordination Group’s pledges at COP27, COP28, and COP16. He has ensured that Africa’s unique climate adaptation and mitigation needs remain central to global discussions

As Africa races toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Dr. Ould TAH’s impact will remain a guiding force in shaping a continent that is integrated, prosperous, and resilient. His legacy is not just one of numbers and policies, but of empowered communities, thriving businesses, and a future where Africa stands at the centre of global economic progress.

Given these accomplishments, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah’s candidacy for the AfDB presidency is supported by his robust track record in economic development, institutional transformation, and strategic leadership and partnerships building across Africa.

Contribution of Yousif Awad Ahmed