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Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina
President, African Development Bank Group
- Ibadan, Nigeria
- Investment & Finance
The People's Directory ID: #TPD-11576
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Web Mentions & Media Coverage
Biography
About
Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina (born February 6, 1960 in Ibadan, Nigeria) is a development economist and finance leader who served as President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) from 1 September 2015 to 1 September 2025 (two terms).
He previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2011–2015), where he introduced the electronic wallet (e-wallet) for fertilizer/subsidy delivery and large-scale input distribution reforms.
Before his ministerial appointment he was Vice President for Policy and Partnerships at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and held senior roles at the Rockefeller Foundation.
At the AfDB he launched and championed the “High 5” development priorities (Light Up Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, Improve the Quality of Life for Africans) and led major capital-raising, infrastructure and agriculture financing initiatives across the continent.
- 40
- Years Experience
- 5
- Projects Led
- 81
- Collaborations
- 1
- Awards Won
Recognition
Achievements & Awards
2017
World Food Prize Laureate
Awarded the World Food Prize for breakthrough achievements in agricultural transformation and leadership.
2015 (elected) / re-elected 2020
President, African Development Bank Group
Elected 28 May 2015 (took office 1 Sep 2015), re-elected unanimously 27 Aug 2020 for a second five-year term.
2011–2015
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nigeria
Implemented the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) / electronic wallet programme delivering subsidised inputs to millions of farmers.
2019
Forbes Africa — Selected Recognition
Recognised in major African leadership lists for development finance and agriculture.
Multiple Honorary Doctorates & International Honors
Recipient of numerous honorary degrees and international awards for leadership in agriculture, development finance and food security.
Career
Ventures & Companies
African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
President & Chair (Boards of Directors)2015–2025
Led the multilateral development bank focused on financing infrastructure, energy, agriculture, private sector growth and governance across Africa, championed the High 5 priorities and mobilised large investment commitments through the Africa Investment Forum.
Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Minister2011–2015
Implemented agricultural reform (including GES / e-wallet subsidy reforms) and expanded support to smallholder farmers.
Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
Vice President, Policy & Partnershipsc. 2008–2010
Led policy, partnership and finance initiatives to leverage bank and private sector financing for African agriculture.
The Rockefeller Foundation
Senior program roles (Food Security)1990s–2008 (senior roles over a decade)
Senior positions in food security and program leadership prior to AGRA and public service.
Talks & interviews
Media & Speaking
Featured talks, interviews, and podcast appearances from Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina.
Writing
Academic Work & Publications
Whitepaper2015
The High 5s: AfDB Strategic Priorities (Light Up Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, Improve Quality of Life)
African Development Bank Group
AfDB strategic framework directing investment and policy priorities across the continent.
View PublicationAbout Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina
Dr. Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina (born February 6, 1960 in Ibadan, Nigeria) is a development economist and finance leader who served as President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) from 1 Septem…
He previously served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2011–2015), where he introduced the electronic wallet (e-wallet) for fertilizer/subsidy delivery and large-scale input distribution reforms.
Before his ministerial appointment he was Vice President for Policy and Partnerships at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and held senior roles at the Rockefeller Foundation.
At the AfDB he launched and championed the “High 5” development priorities (Light Up Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, Improve the Quality of Life for Africans) and led major capital-raising, infrastructure and agriculture financing initiatives across the continent.
Professional Experience
President & Chair (Boards of Directors) at African Development Bank Group (AfDB)
Led the multilateral development bank focused on financing infrastructure, energy, agriculture, private sector growth and governance across Africa, championed the High 5 priorities and mobilised large investment commitments through the Africa Investment Forum.
Minister at Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Republic of Nigeria
Implemented agricultural reform (including GES / e-wallet subsidy reforms) and expanded support to smallholder farmers.
Vice President, Policy & Partnerships at Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA)
Led policy, partnership and finance initiatives to leverage bank and private sector financing for African agriculture.
Senior program roles (Food Security) at The Rockefeller Foundation
Senior positions in food security and program leadership prior to AGRA and public service.