Akinwumi Adesina Crowned ‘African of the Decade’
AfDB President Honoured for Transformative Leadership at Africa Investment Forum
Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘African of the Decade’ by the All African Business Leaders Awards (AABLA). The momentous recognition took place during the Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco, highlighting Adesina’s remarkable decade-long commitment to African development.
The award celebrates Adesina’s work through the bank’s ‘High 5’ strategic initiatives, which aim to revolutionize the continent’s potential by focusing on critical areas: powering Africa, feeding Africa, industrializing Africa, integrating Africa, and improving African lives.
During his acceptance speech, Adesina delivered a message of dedication and hope:
“God did not make a mistake when he made me an African. I will leave as an African and I will do all I can, to my final breath, for Africa,” he said.
“When I die and it’s time for resurrection, I will ask God for permission to come out with an African flag.
“But awards are not just recognition nor are they just for you. They are a recognition for an army of believers who join you to do what you are doing.”
The AfDB, under Adesina’s leadership, has become the only African financial institution rated AAA by all three major rating agencies: Moody’s, S&P, and Fitch.
Adesina’s tenure, which concludes next year, has been marked by an unwavering vision of progress and hope for the African continent. Aside being a landmark celebration of continental leadership, The ‘African of the Decade’ award serves as an affirmation of his relentless pursuit of economic and social development across Africa.
