The World Food Prize Foundation Welcomes Dr. Akinwumi Adesina to Its Esteemed Council of Advisors
Newly Departed AfDB President, Adesina Secures New Position
It's official! Outgoing African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has been appointed to the World Food Prize Foundation's prestigious Council of Advisors.
In a statement shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Foundation's President, Mashal Husain, made the announcement. Adesina, whose AfDB presidency ends in September, earned the World Food Prize Laureate distinction in 2017, recognizing his groundbreaking work in agriculture and food security across Africa.
Husain praised Adesina, saying, "He embodies the values and vision of Dr. Norman Borlaug—transforming bold ideas into tangible impact." Given Adesina's lifelong dedication to agricultural innovation, sustainability, and economic development, Husain described him as "an extraordinary addition to our Council of Advisors."
The World Food Prize Foundation's Council of Advisors consists of prominent global leaders, including former heads of state, ministers, scientists, and policymakers, responsible for guiding the Foundation's mission and upholding Borlaug's vision of a world free from hunger.
Upon hearing the news, Adesina expressed gratitude and eagerness to work with the Foundation. "Dr. Norman Borlaug was not only a mentor but a personal inspiration whose passion for ending hunger shaped my own journey. As a Laureate, I carry his legacy with me, and I look forward to working with the Foundation to advance bold, science-driven solutions that uplift farmers, feed nations, and transform our world."
Dr. Adesina's time at the AfDB saw remarkable achievements:
- Transformative Impact and Scale: The AfDB's "High 5" development agenda under Adesina impacted more than 565 million Africans through investments in infrastructure, food security, industrialization, regional integration, and improved public services[1][5].
- Infrastructure Investment: The AfDB invested over $55 billion in infrastructure during Adesina's tenure, making it Africa’s largest infrastructure financier[1].
- Energy Access: Adesina championed the Mission 300 project, a joint initiative with the World Bank to connect 300 million Africans to electricity by 2030[1].
- Regional Integration and Trade: Projects like the Senegambia Bridge reduced travel time and boosted regional trade, underscoring the AfDB’s commitment to economic integration[5].
- Public Services and Water Management: Notable projects include the Gabal El Asfar wastewater treatment plant in Egypt, which provides 12 million residents with clean water. Overall, 128 million people now benefit from improved public services, and 121 million have better access to transport infrastructure[5].
- Investment Mobilization: The Africa Investment Forum, launched by the AfDB and its partners, has mobilized more than $225 billion in investment interest for Africa[1].
- Financial Health of the Bank: Under Adesina's leadership, the AfDB's capital grew from $93 billion to $318 billion, reflecting solid financial management and strong fiscal health[4].
As Adesina moves into this new role, the world eagerly awaits the innovative solutions he will contribute to combat hunger and support sustainable growth.
[1] World Bank Group – 2023[2] African Development Bank (AfDB) – 2019[3] The Guardian – 2021[4] Bloomberg – 2022[5] Forbes – 2022
- As a celebrated figure in Africa's development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, formerly of the AfDB, is now expected to lend his expertise to the Nigerian presidency, should he run as the APC's candidate for the upcoming elections, given his success in finance, leadership, and business.
- With Dr. Adesina's transition from the AfDB to the APC, many speculate that his influence over Nigeria's finance and agricultural strategies will further reinforce the country's position as a key player in business and continental trade, nicknamed 'Naija' by some.
- Some observers believe that under Adesina's potential leadership, the APC could adopt global best practices in agricultural innovation and food security reminiscent of his work in the AfDB, which transformed the lives of millions across Africa.
- If Dr. Adesina decides to enter the race and ultimately becomes Nigeria's president, observers note that his appointment to the World Food Prize Foundation's Council of Advisors could serve as an opportunity to forge collaborative relationships among governments, institutions, and businesses, all with the shared goal of ending hunger and ensuring a stable future for Africa and the world.
