“Africa’s future is not in begging bowls. It’s in harnessing the potential of its own people, land, and ideas.”— Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina is an internationally renowned development economist, agricultural reformer, and the current President of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Born on February 6, 1960, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Adesina has dedicated his life to transforming Africa’s agricultural sector and driving inclusive economic growth across the continent.
Early Life and Education:
Adesina grew up in a humble, farming household and was deeply influenced by the hardships and resilience of rural agricultural communities. His early exposure to the challenges of subsistence farming would later inform his lifelong commitment to agricultural development and poverty alleviation.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics with First Class Honors from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in Nigeria. He then proceeded to the United States, where he obtained both his Master’s and PhD in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University in Indiana. His academic excellence and groundbreaking research earned him the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation Social Science Fellowship.
Career and Leadership in Agriculture:
Adesina began his career working for international organizations that focused on agricultural development, including the Rockefeller Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). At AGRA, where he served as Vice President of Policy and Partnerships, he championed innovative financing models for smallholder farmers, expanding access to credit, improved seeds, and modern inputs.
In 2011, he was appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development under President Goodluck Jonathan. In this role, he introduced bold reforms that eliminated decades-long corruption in fertilizer distribution, digitized subsidy delivery through the E-Wallet system, and significantly boosted Nigeria’s food production. His success in agriculture earned him both national and international praise for turning farming into a viable and modern business.
President of the African Development Bank:
In 2015, Adesina was elected as the 8th President of the African Development Bank Group, becoming the first Nigerian to hold the position. He was re-elected unanimously in 2020 for a second five-year term, despite intense scrutiny and political pressure. His leadership at AfDB has focused on the “High 5s” development priorities:
1. Light Up and Power Africa
2. Feed Africa
3. Industrialize Africa
4. Integrate Africa
5. Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa
Under his watch, the AfDB has financed transformational projects in renewable energy, road and rail infrastructure, water supply, agricultural development, and gender inclusion. His push for climate-resilient farming and innovative financing tools has placed the AfDB at the forefront of Africa’s development agenda.
Awards and Global Recognition:
Dr. Adesina’s work has earned him numerous international honors. In 2017, he was awarded the World Food Prize, often called the “Nobel Prize for Agriculture,” for his efforts to expand food production and reduce hunger. Other recognitions include:
. Forbes Africa Person of the Year (2013)
. Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit of Côte d’Ivoire
. Honorary Doctorates from multiple universities in Africa and beyond
He has also been named among the 100 Most Influential Africans by multiple publications and serves on high-level global panels, including the UN’s Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance.
Legacy and Current Focus:
Dr. Adesina continues to be a passionate voice for food security, youth employment, and climate resilience in Africa. His most recent initiative, a proposed $25 billion African Food Production Facility, seeks to combat rising food insecurity worsened by climate change and conflict. He is also a firm believer in youth-led development and launched the Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Trust Fund to support African startups and small businesses.
