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.
Africa's Optimist-in-Chief
Leading Africa's Transformation
Visionary leadership dedicated to unlocking Africa's potential and improving lives across the continent.
Photo Gallery
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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African Countries Connected by Key Infrastructure
Key Achievements
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."
"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."
"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."