Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Honored as Inaugural ‘African of the Decade’ Award Recipient

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, has been awarded the first-ever African of the Decade accolade. The prestigious honor was conferred during the 2024 Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco, a key milestone in the All-Africa Business Leaders Awards organized by ABN Group and CNBC Africa.

ABN Group Chairman Rakesh Wahi presented the award, citing Adesina’s decade-long contributions to sustainable development, ethical governance, and transformative initiatives across Africa. 

“Dr. Adesina’s visionary leadership has driven impactful change, from providing electricity access to 300 million Africans through groundbreaking partnerships to revolutionizing agriculture in Nigeria,” said Wahi.

Under his leadership, the African Development Bank advanced its High5 strategic priorities, fostering significant socio-economic improvements. 

Adesina’s earlier tenure as Nigeria’s Agriculture Minister also earned accolades for eradicating corruption in the fertilizer sector and empowering millions of farmers with innovative e-wallet systems.

Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Grace Yemisi Adesina, the laureate dedicated the award to Africa’s resilient spirit, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to the continent. 

“God did not make a mistake when he made me an African,” he declared passionately, pledging lifelong service to Africa’s progress.