Dr. Akinwumi Adesina (born 6 February 1960) is a Nigerian agricultural economist and the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the first Nigerian to hold this position. Under his leadership, the AfDB has significantly increased its investments in African development, particularly in agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. Adesina previously served as Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture, where he implemented reforms that transformed the agricultural sector.


AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PRESIDENCY:
Adesina was elected President of the African Development Bank in 2015 and was re-elected in 2020, becoming the first Nigerian to hold this position. Under his leadership, the AfDB has significantly increased its investments in African development, approving over $50 billion in investments. The bank has focused on key areas including agriculture, infrastructure, energy, and youth empowerment, contributing to Africa's economic development.

NIGERIA AGRICULTURE MINISTER:
As Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture (2011-2015), Adesina implemented comprehensive reforms that transformed the agricultural sector. He introduced the Growth Enhancement Support (GES) scheme, which provided farmers with subsidized inputs through mobile phones, reaching millions of farmers. He also worked to attract private investment in agriculture and to improve agricultural infrastructure, contributing to increased agricultural productivity.

AGRICULTURAL TRANSFORMATION:
Adesina's work in agriculture has focused on transforming African agriculture from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture. He has advocated for policies that support smallholder farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and create value chains that benefit farmers. His vision of "feeding Africa" has guided his work at both the national and continental levels.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT:
Adesina has been a strong advocate for youth empowerment in Africa. At the AfDB, he launched the "Jobs for Youth in Africa" initiative, which aims to create 25 million jobs for young people. He has emphasized the importance of investing in Africa's youth, who represent the continent's greatest asset and potential for development.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT:
Under Adesina's leadership, the AfDB has significantly increased investments in infrastructure including energy, transport, and water. The bank has supported major infrastructure projects across Africa, contributing to improved connectivity and economic development. These investments have been crucial for Africa's economic growth and integration.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:
Adesina has received numerous awards including the World Food Prize (2017), often called the "Nobel Prize for Agriculture." He has also received the Sunhak Peace Prize and has been recognized by Forbes as one of Africa's 50 Most Powerful People. His achievements have been celebrated globally, making him one of the most recognized African leaders in development.

EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE:
Adesina holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and has worked with major international organizations including the Rockefeller Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). His strong educational background and extensive experience in agricultural development have been foundational to his success.

LEGACY AND IMPACT:
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina's legacy extends beyond his individual achievements. Through his work at the AfDB, he has mobilized billions of dollars for African development, contributing to improved infrastructure, agriculture, and economic opportunities. His vision of a prosperous Africa has guided his work, and his achievements have demonstrated that African leaders can drive development effectively. He has inspired other African leaders and has contributed to changing perceptions of Africa's development potential.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 6 February 1960 in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
- Education: University of Ife (Agricultural Economics), Purdue University, USA (Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics).
- Key Achievement: First Nigerian President of African Development Bank (2015-present).
- Previous Role: Nigeria Minister of Agriculture (2011-2015).
- Major Achievement: Won World Food Prize (2017), often called "Nobel Prize for Agriculture."
- Impact: Mobilized over $50 billion for African development, created millions of jobs.
- Recognition: Named one of Africa's 50 Most Powerful People by Forbes.
- Notable: Transformed Nigeria's agricultural sector, launched "Jobs for Youth in Africa" initiative.