Dr. Akinwumi Adesina is a renowned Nigerian agricultural economist and the President of the African Development Bank (AFDB). He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in Nigeria and went on to obtain both his Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University in the United States. This strong academic foundation has empowered him with deep insights into the challenges and opportunities within African agriculture.
Since taking the helm at AFDB, Dr. Adesina has spearheaded transformative initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the continent’s agricultural sector. Under his visionary leadership, key strategies such as the Feed Africa initiative have been launched to boost productivity, enhance food security, and reduce poverty across Africa. His innovative approach in promoting climate-smart agriculture, expanding access to financing, and integrating technology into farming practices has earned him international recognition— including the prestigious World Food Prize—cementing his legacy as a global champion for sustainable development in Africa.
