Dr. Akin Adesina, born on February 6, 1960, in Ogun State, Nigeria, is a distinguished development economist and a prominent figure in the agricultural sector. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming the President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) exemplifies his commitment to transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape and improving food security across the continent.

Educational Background and Early Career

Adesina’s academic journey began at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria, where he earned a first-class honours degree in Agricultural Economics in 1981—the first student to achieve this distinction in the university’s history. He furthered his studies at Purdue University in the United States, obtaining both a master’s degree in 1985 and a PhD in Agricultural Economics in 1988, where he was recognised with the Outstanding PhD Thesis Award.

His professional career commenced at the West Africa Rice Development Association (WARDA), where he worked as a senior economist. Over the years, he held several significant positions, including Associate Director at the Rockefeller Foundation and Vice President for Policy and Partnerships at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). His extensive experience laid a solid foundation for his later achievements as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and ultimately as President of the AfDB.

Transformative Leadership as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture

From 2011 to 2015, Adesina served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. His tenure was marked by bold reforms aimed at revitalising an agricultural sector plagued by corruption and inefficiency. One of his most notable achievements was the introduction of an innovative electronic wallet system that provided farmers with subsidised inputs directly via mobile phones. This initiative reached over 15 million farmers within its first four years, effectively ending decades of corruption in the fertiliser sector and transforming agriculture from subsistence farming to a viable business model.

Under his leadership, Nigeria saw an increase in food production by an additional 21 million metric tons and attracted over $5.6 billion in private sector investments into agriculture. His efforts were recognised globally when he was named Forbes Africa Person of the Year in 2013 and received numerous awards for his contributions to agricultural development.

Presidency of the African Development Bank Group

In May 2015, Dr. Adesina was elected President of the African Development Bank Group, becoming the first Nigerian to hold this prestigious position. His leadership has been characterised by visionary strategies aimed at fostering economic growth and development across Africa. Notably, he oversaw the largest capital increase in AfDB’s history, raising its general capital from $93 billion to $208 billion—a move that significantly enhanced the bank’s capacity to finance development projects across the continent.

Adesina has also been proactive in addressing urgent crises facing Africa. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a $3 billion Social Bond and established a $10 billion Crisis Response Facility to support African countries during this challenging period. Furthermore, under his guidance, AfDB has implemented initiatives aimed at averting food crises exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, such as those resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Global Recognition and Awards

Dr. Akin Adesina’s contributions have garnered international acclaim. He received the prestigious World Food Prize in 2017 for his outstanding work in agricultural development, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Agriculture.” In addition to this honour, he has been recognised with various awards, including:

• African Leadership Magazine’s African of the Year (2019)
• Distinguished Fellowship Award from the Academy of Public Health (2020)
• Honorary Doctorates from multiple universities worldwide

His commitment to sustainable development has also led him to serve on various global platforms aimed at tackling issues such as climate change and food security.

In conclusion, Dr. Akin Adesina stands out as a transformative leader whose vision and dedication have significantly impacted agriculture and development finance in Africa. His innovative approaches have not only improved food security but have also inspired millions of farmers across the continent to embrace modern agricultural practices. As he continues to lead the African Development Bank Group towards greater heights, Dr. Adesina remains a beacon of hope for sustainable development in Africa—a true embodiment of what it means to be an agent of change.