The World Food Prize Foundation has announced the appointment of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), to its prestigious Council of Advisors. The announcement was made by the Foundation’s President in a statement released Tuesday in New York.
Adesina, who will complete his second and final term at AfDB in September, is widely celebrated for his longstanding efforts in agricultural innovation and economic development across Africa. His appointment marks a return to the Foundation in a new advisory capacity, having previously won the World Food Prize in 2017.
The Foundation highlighted Adesina’s alignment with the legacy of Dr. Norman Borlaug, the renowned agronomist who founded the Prize. Its President described Adesina as a leader who exemplifies the transformation of bold ideas into practical, life-changing impact, particularly for farmers and communities across Africa. She added that his extensive experience in agriculture, sustainability, and development would be invaluable to the Council.
Reacting to his appointment, Adesina expressed deep gratitude and reflected on the influence Dr. Borlaug had on his personal journey and professional mission. He stated his commitment to advancing science-based solutions that would help farmers thrive, feed nations, and transform communities globally.
The CEO of the Foundation noted that Adesina’s legacy includes significant strides in African agriculture, from fighting corruption in the sector to empowering farmers and promoting sustainable economic growth. His work, they said, resonates deeply with the belief that food can be a powerful driver of peace, progress, and development.
The Council of Advisors, selected by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, includes former heads of state, ministers, and global leaders in food, agriculture, education, and policy. It serves as a strategic body offering guidance to the Foundation on achieving its mission and furthering Dr. Borlaug’s vision for global food security.
Adesina, an accomplished agricultural expert and development economist, has held major leadership roles across institutions like the Rockefeller Foundation, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture. As AfDB President, he led the “High 5” development agenda focused on powering, feeding, industrializing, integrating, and improving life in Africa. His tenure was marked by major investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and youth entrepreneurship across the continent.
In 2013, he was named Forbes African Person of th
e Year.
