Mali’s military leader General Assimi Goïta Monday received a Mauritanian ministerial delegation led by Amal Mint Maouloud, Minister of Water and Sanitation who were in Bamako to enlist support for a bid to led the African Development Bank.
Carrying a message from President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, the delegation sought Mali’s official endorsement of Dr. Sidi Ould Tah’s candidacy for the presidency of the AfDB.
Mali has formally pledged its support to the Mauritanian candidate.
Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, 64, is an economist and one of five finalists shortlisted to succeed Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina, whose term ends in late May.
A former Mauritanian Minister of Economic Affairs, Dr. Ould Tah served two terms as head of the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA). With over 30 years of experience, he is seen by Mauritania’s diplomatic corps as a credible contender capable of addressing the continent’s pressing economic challenges.
The election is scheduled for May 29, 2025, at the AfDB headquarters in Abidjan. The voting process requires a double majority: from African member states and from all 81 member countries, including 27 non-African states. This system ensures a balance of regional and global interests, making each country’s vote significant.
Mali’s endorsement holds particular weight. As a founding member of the AfDB and current chair of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), Bamako retains considerable political influence in West Africa, despite its withdrawal from ECOWAS. Its support could potentially rally a broader regional backing for Mauritania.
Following her meeting with President Goïta, Minister Amal Mint Maouloud expressed satisfaction with the “receptiveness” and “openness” of the Malian leader. While no official figures were disclosed, Mali’s support for the Mauritanian bid appears confirmed. All eyes are now on whether African diplomatic momentum will allow Mauritania to place one of its nationals at the helm of the continent’s premier financial institution for the first time.
MD/te/sf/lb/as/APA