The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) has announced a major leadership change. The Board of Governors has appointed Abdullah Almusaibeeh as the new president of the bank. This comes as the current president, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah, ends a decade-long term on June 30, 2025.
This change comes at a time when BADEA is growing fast. Over the last ten years, the bank’s operations and capital tripled. It has invested over USD 11 billion during Dr. Tah’s tenure. In total, since it began operations 50 years ago, BADEA has funded more than USD 15 billion worth of development across Africa.
What Changed Under Dr. Tah’s Leadership?
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The bank increased its capital threefold.
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The size of its operations also grew three times larger.
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Annual disbursements increased eightfold.
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BADEA earned strong international credit ratings.
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Non-performing loans dropped from 10% to just 0.5%.
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The bank transformed digitally and secured ISO certifications in key areas such as ESG, quality, and IT security.
Dr. Tah’s leadership helped BADEA weather several crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Sudan. In 2022, the bank’s shareholders approved a 376% capital increase. This move confirmed their confidence in the bank’s direction.
Impact Across Africa
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BADEA invested USD 2.3 billion in over 800 African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
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These investments created more than 50,000 jobs.
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Countries like Kenya, Senegal, Rwanda, and Ivory Coast saw major projects in agriculture, energy, and technology.
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The bank funded 400 MW of solar projects, bringing electricity to more than 200,000 homes and businesses.
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It supported road infrastructure in East Africa worth USD 1.2 billion, cutting transport costs by 15% and helping farmers connect to markets.
Dr. Tah also pushed for sustainable cities and industrial corridors, encouraging African businesses to participate in projects financed by the bank. Now, he is seeking the presidency of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Who is Abdullah Almusaibeeh?
Mr. Almusaibeeh is a seasoned expert in international development finance. He holds a mathematics degree from Kuwait University. Since 1993, he has worked at the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, handling global portfolios. He has represented Kuwait on various regional and international development committees.
He has also served on BADEA’s board and has experience with the Syria Recovery Trust Fund and the Al-Aqsa and Al-Quds Funds.
What’s Next for BADEA?
The bank plans to stay on the same growth path while expanding its reach across Africa. With Almusaibeeh in charge, BADEA is expected to keep focusing on:
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Providing large-scale development finance
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Supporting infrastructure projects
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Driving financial inclusion across African countries
At a time when many African economies are struggling with rising debt and funding shortfalls, the new leadership comes with high expectations.
Will Almusaibeeh maintain the strong legacy of Dr. Tah?
Will the bank’s growing influence continue to deliver meaningful change in Africa?
The pressure is on, and the eyes of the continent are watching.
