From Farm Roots to Academic Excellence – The Making of a Visionary
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a renowned Nigerian economist, is a transformational leader who has redefined Africa’s economic development through visionary leadership and innovative policies. He is the current President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and he holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian elected to this prestigious position. First elected in 2015 and re-elected for a second term in 2020, his tenure has been marked by groundbreaking initiatives that are shaping Africa’s future.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Dr. Adesina’s journey began in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, where he was born into a farming family. His humble roots instilled in him a deep understanding of the agricultural sector and its transformative potential. He attended Ejigbo Baptist High School (EBHS), where his academic excellence set him apart early on. In 1981, he earned a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics with First Class Honors from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Nigeria, becoming the first student in the institution’s history to achieve this distinction.
Fuelled by his passion for driving change, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina pursued graduate studies at Purdue University, Indiana, USA. There, he earned his PhD. in Agricultural Economics in 1988, receiving accolades for his outstanding doctoral thesis. While at Purdue, he was awarded the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation Social Fellowship, which marked the beginning of his remarkable international career.
Dr. Adesina’s professional journey began with significant roles in agricultural research and policy. Between 1990 and 1995, he served as Principal Economist at West African Rice Development Association (WARDA) in Cote d’Ivoire contributing to critical advancements in rice production. From 1995 to 1998, he worked as Senior Economist and Social Science Coordinator at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, where he focused on improving food security in Africa. He also held the position of Assistant Principal Economist at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics between 1988 and 1990, further showcasing his dedication to agricultural innovation.

In 1999, Dr. Adesina Akinwumi worked with the Rockefeller Foundation as Associate Director and Regional Director for Southern Africa. Over nearly a decade, he led initiatives that empowered rural farmers and enhanced food security across the region. By 2008, he had become Vice President for Policy and Partnerships at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). There, he spearheaded financial and policy reforms that unlocked over $4 billion in investments for Africa’s agricultural sector.
During his tenure at AGRA, Dr. Adesina collaborated with African Heads of State, Ministers of Finance, Central Bank Governors, and leaders in the banking industry to mobilize domestic financing for agriculture. His efforts demonstrated the immense potential of the sector to drive economic growth and development, paving the way for his future role as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture.
To be continued here
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