Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has been honoured as the inaugural recipient of the “African of the Decade” award. The prestigious accolade recognises his visionary contributions to Africa’s development over the past decade.
The award was presented during the Africa Investment Forum held in Rabat, Morocco. A joint initiative of the ABN Group and CNBC Africa as part of the All-Africa Business Leaders Awards, the recognition celebrates leaders whose efforts have had a profound, lasting impact on the continent.
Transforming Africa Through Visionary Leadership
Adesina, whose tenure at the AfDB began in 2015 and concludes in 2025, has been instrumental in spearheading transformative initiatives under the Bank’s High5 strategic priorities. These priorities—focused on improving energy access, industrialisation, agriculture, integration, and quality of life—have been lauded as innovative solutions to Africa’s socio-economic challenges.
ABN Group Chairman Rakesh Wahi commended Adesina for his ethical and responsible leadership, noting his success in addressing complex development challenges with groundbreaking initiatives.
One standout achievement during his leadership is the partnership with the World Bank, which has expanded electricity access to 300 million Africans. This collaboration underscores Adesina’s commitment to solving infrastructure and development gaps across the continent.
A Legacy of Transformational Impact
Adesina’s contributions extend beyond his tenure at the AfDB. As Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, he revolutionised the sector by introducing an electronic wallet system. This system eradicated corruption in the fertilizer supply chain, enabling direct input delivery to smallholder farmers.
His leadership at the AfDB has drawn substantial global investment into Africa while advancing sustainable development. These efforts have not only improved millions of lives but also positioned the continent as a competitive global player.
Dedication to Africa’s Potential
In his acceptance speech, Adesina expressed gratitude to Africans and dedicated the award to the continent. “This recognition is a testament to the transformative power of Africa’s potential,” he said. “God did not make a mistake when He made me an African, and I will do all I can, to my final breath, for Africa.”
As Adesina prepares to conclude his decade-long service at AfDB in 2025, his legacy serves as a beacon of hope for Africa’s future.
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