When you see Akinwumi Adesina in his signature bow tie, walking with quiet confidence, you might not immediately realise you’re looking at one of Africa’s most powerful voices in global finance. But behind that calm smile is a man driven by a clear mission: to transform Africa through bold economic reforms and practical solutions.
Adesina is the current President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) — a role he’s held since 2015 and was re-elected to in 2020 with unanimous support. And it’s no surprise. His leadership has sparked waves of innovation across the continent, from agriculture to infrastructure, youth empowerment to energy access.
The Making of a Reformer
Born in Nigeria in 1960, Adesina’s story is one of humble beginnings and big dreams. He grew up in a poor rural community where access to basic needs was limited. That experience shaped his commitment to development. After earning a first degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), he won a prestigious scholarship to pursue his PhD at Purdue University in the US.
It didn’t take long for the world to notice his brilliance. Over the years, he worked with global institutions like the Rockefeller Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), championing causes that placed smallholder farmers and rural communities at the centre of Africa’s growth.
Minister of Agriculture: The Game Changer
Many Nigerians remember Adesina for his bold reforms as Minister of Agriculture under President Goodluck Jonathan. He took on a system riddled with corruption and inefficiency and turned it around. One of his most talked-about moves was scrapping the long-standing fertiliser subsidy racket — a billion-naira scandal — and replacing it with a digital system that delivered directly to farmers.
He introduced the e-Wallet system, allowing farmers to access subsidies using their mobile phones — a first in Africa. That programme reached over 15 million farmers and became a model admired around the world.
President of AfDB: Driving Africa’s Vision
At the helm of the African Development Bank, Adesina has continued to shake things up. His bold plan called the “High 5s” — Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for Africans — has become the bank’s blueprint for development.
Under his watch, the AfDB has invested billions of dollars in transformative projects across the continent: roads, renewable energy, water systems, schools, digital jobs and more. He was also instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, launching a $10 billion response facility to support African countries.
Awards, Accolades – and a Bit of Drama
Adesina’s work has earned him global praise. In 2017, he won the World Food Prize (often called the Nobel Prize for food and agriculture). In 2023, he was named one of the 100 most influential Africans. World leaders and financial giants respect him. Yet, his path hasn’t been without challenges.
In 2020, he faced whistleblower accusations at AfDB, which prompted an independent investigation. He was eventually cleared of all allegations — a moment that only seemed to reinforce his integrity and strengthen his international standing.
The Man Behind the Mission
Beyond policy papers and boardrooms, Adesina is a man of faith and family. He often speaks about the importance of hope, unity, and leadership rooted in service. He believes Africa doesn’t need handouts — just fair investment, strong institutions, and leaders who genuinely care.
He remains one of the most articulate and passionate voices on Africa’s development — a man who doesn’t just dream of change but rolls up his sleeves to make it happen.
In a world hungry for results and short on trust, Akinwumi Adesina stands out. Not just because he’s an economist with vision, but because he knows how to turn that vision into real, lasting impact. From dusty village roads to the high tables of global finance, he carries one message: Africa can rise — and the time is now.
Know someone who’s quietly changing the world? Let us know. We love stories like Adesina’s — stories of hope, courage and leadership. Because this is Africa.
