In the evolving landscape of African development, one name stands out: Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina name is not whispered but very much announced with all at attention. Often heralded as “Africa’s Optimist-in-Chief,” Dr. Adesina’s visionary leadership and unyielding passion for the continent’s transformation have set him apart as a different breed of individual-communal development and growth champion. His numerous enviable feats span across Africa and beyond.
Born in 1960, Dr. Adesina’s journey to becoming a transformative figure in African development is rooted in a robust academic foundation. Graduating with First Class Honours in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria, he went on to earn a Master’s degree and a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University, USA. His exceptional work at Purdue earned him the Outstanding Ph.D. thesis award, a precursor to a career marked by groundbreaking achievements.
Elected as President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in 2015, Dr. Adesina launched the ambitious High 5s strategy: to Light Up and Power Africa; Feed Africa; Integrate Africa; Industrialize Africa; and Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa. This strategic framework has had a monumental impact, improving the lives of over 400 million Africans. Under his leadership, the AfDB has seen transformative projects across the continent, addressing critical issues like energy, food security, infrastructure, industrialization, and quality of life.
In 2018, Dr. Adesina spearheaded the creation of the Africa Investment Forum (AIF), positioning it as the premier investment marketplace for the continent. Since its inception, AIF has attracted nearly $180 billion in investments, driving economic growth and opening new avenues for development. Under Dr. Adesina’s stewardship, the AfDB achieved its highest capital increase in 2019, raising funds from $93 billion to an unprecedented $208 billion. This financial muscle was crucial in navigating the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. The bank’s swift and decisive response included launching a $3 billion Covid-19 Social Bond and a $10 billion Crisis Response Facility, underscoring Dr. Adesina’s adept crisis management and foresight.
Dr. Adesina’s contributions have garnered international acclaim. He has received numerous honorary degrees and the highest national honors from nine African countries. His accolades include the prestigious YARA Prize for agricultural innovation, the World Food Prize, and the Borlaug CAST Award for leadership in agricultural science. His alma mater, Purdue University, honored him with the Order of the Griffin, a rare distinction bestowed on only 50 individuals since 1893. In 2023, he received the Obafemi Awolowo Leadership Prize for exemplary leadership.
Before ascending to the helm of the AfDB, Dr. Adesina served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture from 2011 to 2015. His tenure was marked by transformative reforms, notably the eradication of corruption in the fertilizer sector through an innovative electronic wallet system. This initiative, which reached 15 million farmers, revolutionized agricultural productivity and transparency in Nigeria. From his early days at the Rockefeller Foundation to his pivotal roles at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), he has consistently championed initiatives that empower farmers, foster economic growth, and drive sustainable development.
