Africa's Optimist-in-Chief

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina

Leading Africa's Transformation

Visionary leadership dedicated to unlocking Africa's potential and improving lives across the continent.

About Dr. Adesina

Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina, a distinguished development economist, is the 8th elected President of the African Development Bank Group. He was first elected on May 28, 2015, and unanimously re-elected for a second five-year term on August 27, 2020.

Formerly Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Adesina has been a transformative leader in agricultural innovation and finance. His work is driven by a passion to lift millions out of poverty and build a prosperous future for Africa.

Our Impact in Numbers

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People Benefited Directly

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Projects Approved

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USD Investments Mobilized (AfDB High 5s)

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African Countries Connected by Key Infrastructure

Key Achievements

High 5s Initiative

Championed the "High 5s" strategy (Light up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa) which has impacted millions.

AfDB Capital Increase

Successfully led the African Development Bank’s largest general capital increase in its history, from $93 billion to $208 billion in 2019.

World Food Prize Laureate

Awarded the prestigious World Food Prize in 2017 for his decades of work in significantly improving the availability of seed, fertilizer, and financing for African farmers.

Africa Investment Forum

Spearheaded the creation of the Africa Investment Forum, a unique platform to attract and channel investment into the continent.

Inspiring Quotes

"Africa must develop with pride. We are not a continent of problems; we are a continent of opportunities."

- Dr. Akinwumi Adesina

"The future of African youth is not in Europe, their future is not in America, their future is not in Asia. Their future is in a prosperous Africa. And I am dedicated to making that happen."

- Dr. Akinwumi Adesina

"My passion is to use finance to transform development. For me, it’s not just about money; it’s about impact, it’s about people's lives."