The president of the African Development Bank (AFDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, has been honored with the 2025 distinguished economic leader prize by the Corporate Council of Africa (CCA) in recognition of its exceptional leadership of decade that has remodeled the economic career of Africa and touched the lives of more than 565 million people throughout the continent.
The 2025 distinguished economic leader award was given to Dr. Adesina during the opening ceremony of the United States Business Summit to Africa on Monday, June 24 in the presence of more than 2,000 high -level delegates.
The Summit gathered an impressive meeting of seven heads of state, multiple prime ministers, senior government officials, diplomatic corps, business leaders and heads of regional organizations.
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While presenting the award, Jean Raymond Boulle, vice president of the Council, praised Adesina for leading a decade of unprecedented progress and transformation in the AFDB. He praised the economist born in Nigeria for remodeling the bank to a globally respected institution and a partner of choice for development in Africa.
“Today, we celebrate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who, as president of the African Development Bank during the last decade, has advanced to the bank to transform the critical sectors to develop Africa through high development priorities 5 of the bank: African, illuminate Africa, industrialize Africa, integrate Africa and improve the quality of life of people in Africa,” said Boulle.
The 5 high, the flagship initiative of the AFDB under the administration of Adesina, have been fundamental to catalyze growth and development throughout the continent, promoting massive investment and reform in agriculture, infrastructure, energy, industry and human development. The initiative is also strategically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), demonstrating Africa's firm commitment to the imperatives of global development.
“The Signature High 5s initiative of the African Bank, headed by Dr. Adesina, has given a measurable impact on the entire continent, positively transforming the lives of more than 565 million people,” added Boulle. “The economic trajectory of Africa has been renewed, so it is a more attractive destination for companies … ensure mutual prosperity for the people of Africa and the largest associations, even with the United States.”
Dr. Adesina, who approaches at the end of his second and last five -year period as president of AFDB on August 31, 2025, has spent the last ten years defending the structural transformation, the construction of associations and unlocking resources to accelerate the development of Africa.
Under its leadership, the bank mobilized record investments, executed bold reforms and implemented historical projects in member countries, especially in infrastructure, energy, food security, climate resistance and gender empowerment.
In his acceptance speech, a visibly moved adesine expressed a deep gratitude to the Council and reaffirmed his dedication to life to the African cause.
“I feel deeply honored for this recognition. I remain unwavering in my commitment to advance in the development of Africa and to defend the opportunities for the young women, women and businesses of the continent. The time of Africa is now, and together we must continue to build the Africa we want,” he said.
The CCA said that beyond the numbers, Adesina's legacy is seen in the new narrative about Africa: one of hope, opportunity, innovation and resistance.
While preparing to deliver the reins of the AFDB after a decade of transformative leadership, interested parties around the world are already reflecting on their remarkable impact, and anticipating their next steps on Africa's trip towards sustainable development and prosperity.