Tanzania’s Minister for Finance and Governor of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba (MP), together with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Alternate Governor of the Bank, Dr. Natu El-maamry Mwamba, attended the proceedings of the AfDB Board of Governors’ meeting in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where Dr. Sidi Ould Tah of Mauritania was elected as the new President of the Bank.
The election, held on May 29, 2025, at the Sofitel Ivoire Hotel in Abidjan, saw Dr. Tah secure a decisive victory with 76.18% of the votes cast in the third round.
He will succeed Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whose term as President has come to an end.
Dr. Tah, a former Minister of Finance of Mauritania, emerged victorious among a field of five candidates. The other contenders included Mr. Amadou Hott (Senegal), Mr. Samuel Maimbo (Zambia), Mr. Abbas Mahamat Tolli (Chad), and the only female candidate, Ms. Bajabulile Swazi Tshabalala of South Africa.
The African Development Bank, established in 1964, is marking its 60th anniversary this year. The Bank has a membership of 81 countries, including 54 African nations, and plays a vital role in financing development across the continent.