As he nears the end of a decade-long tenure at the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been named to the Council of Advisors of the prestigious World Food Prize Foundation.
The announcement was made in New York by the Foundation’s President, Mashal Husain, and shared through a statement with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Adesina, an internationally acclaimed development economist and agricultural expert, will join an elite group of former heads of state, ministers, scientists, and global policymakers tasked with guiding the Foundation’s mission to combat hunger and promote sustainable food systems globally.
A Legacy of Impact
Dr. Adesina, who will formally conclude his tenure as AfDB President in September 2025, was awarded the World Food Prize in 2017 for his groundbreaking reforms in African agriculture, including initiatives that increased food production, reduced corruption in fertilizer distribution, and expanded financial access to millions of smallholder farmers.
“President Adesina exemplifies the spirit and determination of our founder, Dr. Norman Borlaug,” said Husain. “His bold vision and tangible results across Africa are exactly the kind of leadership we value on our Council. We are honoured to welcome him back in this new capacity.”
Dr. Borlaug, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate often credited with saving over a billion lives through the Green Revolution, founded the World Food Prize in 1986 to recognize individuals who have made substantial contributions to improving food quality, availability, and accessibility globally.
Adesina Responds: A Call to Continue Borlaug’s Legacy
In response to the announcement, Adesina expressed heartfelt gratitude and a renewed commitment to agricultural transformation.
“Joining the Council of Advisors is both a privilege and a personal honour,” he said. “Dr. Norman Borlaug was a mentor to me, and his dedication to ending global hunger continues to inspire my work. As a former laureate, I am proud to help carry forward his legacy through bold, science-driven strategies that empower farmers, nourish nations, and change lives.”
Decade of Transformation at the AfDB
Adesina became the first Nigerian to lead the AfDB in 2015 and leaves behind a legacy marked by significant institutional growth and strategic development impact. Under his leadership, the Bank’s capital increased from $93 billion to $318 billion, enabling major investments across Africa’s infrastructure, food systems, energy sector, and youth empowerment programs.
He championed the AfDB’s “High 5” agenda five strategic priorities designed to accelerate Africa’s development:
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Light Up and Power Africa
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Feed Africa
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Industrialize Africa
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Integrate Africa
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Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa
Prior to his AfDB presidency, Adesina served as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development (2011–2015), where he launched sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s agriculture sector and pioneered digital solutions to eliminate fertilizer corruption and reach millions of farmers directly.
He also held senior positions at the Rockefeller Foundation and Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), further solidifying his role as one of the world’s foremost voices in agricultural innovation.
What’s Next
Adesina is expected to formally join the Council of Advisors once he completes his term at the African Development Bank. In this new advisory role, he will work alongside other distinguished global leaders to support the World Food Prize Foundation’s ongoing efforts to promote food security, agricultural research, and equitable access to nutrition.
“Dr. Adesina has redefined agricultural leadership in Africa and globally,” said Tom Vilsack, CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation. “His work has laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and inclusive food systems. We’re thrilled to have
him join the Council.”
About the World Food Prize Foundation
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, the World Food Prize Foundation has honoured 55 global changemakers since its inception. The award is presented annually during the Borlaug Dialogue, a global symposium that brings together leaders in science, policy, business, and civil society to tackle pressing challenges in food security and agricultural innovation.
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