Adesina Appointed to World Food Prize Foundation Council as AfDB Presidency Nears End
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been appointed to the World Food Prize Foundation’s Council of Advisors.
His legacy in agriculture and development continues globally.
As he prepares to exit his 10-year tenure as president of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has been appointed to the prestigious Council of Advisors of the World Food Prize Foundation.
Recognized globally for his transformative work in agriculture and economic development, Adesina joins a select group of global leaders helping shape the future of food security, innovation, and sustainability.
The World Food Prize Foundation has officially announced the appointment of Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), to its elite Council of Advisors. The announcement was made by the foundation’s president, Mashal Husain, via a public statement from New York on Tuesday, affirming Adesina’s continued impact on global agricultural development.
Adesina, who is set to complete his second and final five-year term at AfDB in September 2025, brings with him a legacy of innovation, leadership, and dedication to transforming African agriculture and economic landscapes. He was previously honored with the World Food Prize in 2017 for his decades-long efforts in driving sustainable agriculture and economic upliftment.
Honoring a legacy of innovation and impact
Husain, in her remarks, described Adesina as a visionary whose values closely mirror those of Dr. Norman Borlaug, the late Nobel Laureate and founder of the World Food Prize. “President Adesina embodies the values and vision of Dr. Borlaug, transforming bold ideas into tangible impact,” she said. “His lifelong commitment to agricultural innovation, sustainability, and economic development across Africa makes him an extraordinary addition to our Council of Advisors.”
The Council consists of former heads of state, agriculture ministers, academic leaders, and prominent experts in food and agricultural science. They are charged with guiding the foundation’s mission and supporting Dr. Borlaug’s vision to eliminate hunger and promote food security globally.
Adesina reflects on the appointment
In a statement shared on the foundation’s website, Adesina expressed his gratitude, calling the appointment a deeply personal honor. “Dr. Norman Borlaug was not only a mentor but a personal inspiration whose passion for ending hunger shaped my own journey,” Adesina said. “As a laureate, I carry his legacy with me, and I look forward to working with the foundation to advance bold, science-driven solutions that uplift farmers, feed nations, and transform our world.”
Tom Vilsack, CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation and former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, praised Adesina’s leadership, stating, “His leadership has reshaped the landscape of African agriculture, from fighting corruption to empowering farmers and fueling sustainable growth.”
A lifetime of transformational leadership
Before leading AfDB, Dr. Adesina held pivotal roles at international development organizations. He worked with the Rockefeller Foundation, served as vice president at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and was Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture between 2011 and 2015. During his ministerial tenure, he implemented pioneering reforms that enhanced food production, eliminated corruption in fertilizer distribution, and empowered smallholder farmers.
In 2015, Adesina became the first Nigerian elected as president of the African Development Bank, where he championed the “High 5” agenda: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for Africans. Under his leadership, AfDB achieved record capital growth, expanded infrastructure funding, and empowered thousands of African youths through entrepreneurship initiatives.
Adesina’s work has earned him global recognition. In 2013, he was named Forbes Africa Person of the Year, and in 2017, he received the World Food Prize, the highest international honor in agriculture and food security.
A global voice for Africa’s agricultural future
Dr. Adesina’s appointment to the World Food Prize Foundation’s Council of Advisors marks not just a recognition of past achievements but also a renewed platform to influence global agricultural policy and innovation. As Nigeria and Africa look to the future of food security, Adesina remains a powerful voice in shaping strategies that connect science, sustainability, and economic progress.
