Akinwumi Adesina is a distinguished Nigerian development economist renowned for his transformative work in Africa's agricultural sector and his advocacy for the African diaspora's role in the continent's development. His career reflects a steadfast commitment to leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth and empowering Africans worldwide to contribute to their homeland's progress.
Born on February 6, 1960, in Ibadan, Nigeria, Adesina's early exposure to rural farming communities ignited his passion for agriculture. He earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics with first-class honors from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) and subsequently obtained master's and doctoral degrees in agricultural economics from Purdue University in the United States.
Adesina's career encompasses significant roles in international organizations, including the Rockefeller Foundation and the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), where he led initiatives to enhance food security across the continent. As Nigeria's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development from 2010, he implemented innovative reforms such as the Growth Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS), which utilized technology to provide subsidized farm inputs directly to farmers, reducing corruption and increasing efficiency. His efforts earned him the Forbes African Man of the Year award in 2013.
In 2015, Adesina became the 8th President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), the first Nigerian to hold the position. Under his leadership, the AfDB launched the High 5s agenda, focusing on energy, agriculture, industrialization, regional integration, and improving Africans' quality of life. His "Feed Africa" strategy aims to achieve self-sufficiency in food production by enhancing technology use, infrastructure, and agricultural value chains. In 2020, he was unanimously re-elected for a second term, reflecting widespread confidence in his leadership.
Adesina has been a vocal advocate for the African diaspora's involvement in the continent's development. He emphasizes the significant financial contributions of the diaspora, noting that remittances have become a substantial source of funding for Africa.
In a 2022 speech, he highlighted that Nigerians in the diaspora remit over $20 billion annually, surpassing foreign direct investment and constituting a significant portion of the country's oil exports. He stated, "The African diaspora has become the largest financier of Africa! And it is not debt; it is 100% gifts or grants, a new form of concessional financing that is the key for livelihood security for millions of Africans."Â
Adesina advocates for policies that facilitate diaspora engagement, including granting voting rights to Africans abroad and establishing ministries dedicated to diaspora affairs.
He asserts, "It is time that Nigerians in the diaspora are allowed to vote; other nations do this... Nigeria should do the same."Â
In July 2023, Adesina received the National Diaspora Merit Award from the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), recognizing his selfless service and contributions as a Nigerian Diaspora Global Icon. This honor underscores his role as a bridge between Nigeria and its global diaspora community.Â
Akinwumi Adesina's legacy is marked by his transformative impact on Africa's agricultural landscape and his unwavering commitment to harnessing the potential of the African diaspora. His initiatives have empowered millions of farmers, promoted sustainable development, and galvanized Africans worldwide to contribute to their homeland's prosperity. As he continues to advocate for inclusive growth, Adesina's work serves as an inspiration for leveraging collective resources and expertise to drive Africa's development forward.
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