Akinwumi “Akin” Adesina, CON
President, African Development Bank | Economist | Agricultural Reformer

Akinwumi “Akin” Adesina is a distinguished Nigerian economist, recognized globally for his impactful work in agriculture and development. He currently serves as the President of the African Development Bank, a role he has held since 2015, making history as the first Nigerian to occupy this prestigious position. Adesina was re-elected for a second term in 2020, further solidifying his legacy as a transformative leader in African development.

Early Life and Education
Born into a farming family in Ibadan, Oyo State, Adesina’s early life was deeply rooted in agriculture. He attended Ejigbo Baptist High School (EBHS) and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics with First Class Honors from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1981. He made history as the first student to graduate with this distinction from the university. Adesina pursued further studies at Purdue University in Indiana, where he earned his Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics in 1988, winning the Outstanding Ph.D. Thesis award for his research.

Career
Adesina’s career has been marked by significant contributions to agricultural development and food security across Africa. From 1990 to 1995, he served as a Senior Economist at the West African Rice Development Association (WARDA) in Bouaké, Ivory Coast. His career trajectory continued upward at the Rockefeller Foundation, where he held several positions, including Senior Scientist and Associate Director for Food Security.

In 2010, Adesina was appointed Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, where he implemented reforms that brought transparency to the fertilizer supply chain and introduced innovative solutions to empower farmers. His work earned him the Forbes African Man of the Year award.

In 2015, Adesina was elected President of the African Development Bank. Under his leadership, the bank has focused on improving Africa’s infrastructure, boosting agricultural productivity, and enhancing economic development across the continent. His re-election in 2020 stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and dedication to Africa’s progress.

Personal Life
Adesina is not only a leader in his professional field but also a man of strong personal convictions. While studying at Purdue University, he and his wife Grace co-founded the African Student Fellowship, a Christian group dedicated to supporting African students. They have three children: Rotimi, Emmanuel, and Segun.

Awards and Honors
Adesina’s contributions to agriculture and development have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2010 Borlaug CAST Communication Award, and the 2017 World Food Prize. He has been honored with multiple honorary doctorates from prestigious institutions, including Afe Babalola University, Addis Ababa University, and Bayero University Kano, among others. In 2019, he was named Forbes Africa Person of the Year for the second time and was also awarded the Grand Officer of the National Order of Merit of Tunisia.