Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has been selected to serve on the World Food Prize Foundation’s Council of Advisors, marking a significant addition to the organisation’s leadership structure.
Foundation President Mashal Husain announced the appointment from New York, highlighting Adesina’s alignment with the organisation’s core principles.
“President Adesina embodies the values and vision of Dr. Norman Borlaug—transforming bold ideas into tangible impact,” Husain said in the statement.
“His lifelong commitment to agricultural innovation, sustainability, and economic development across Africa makes him an extraordinary addition to our Council of Advisors. We are honoured to welcome him back to the Foundation in this new role.”
The Foundation’s Council of Advisors comprises distinguished individuals selected by the board of directors, including former world leaders, cabinet ministers, and prominent figures in agricultural sciences, education, research, and policy development. Council members provide strategic guidance to support the Foundation’s objectives while preserving the principles established by its founder, Borlaug.
Responding to his selection, Adesina expressed enthusiasm about joining the advisory body.
“Norman Borlaug was not only a mentor but also a personal inspiration whose passion for ending hunger shaped my own journey.
“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,” he added.
The 2017 World Food Prize recipient earned recognition for his extensive contributions to African food security, spanning over twenty years. Adesina brings comprehensive expertise as both an agricultural specialist and an internationally acclaimed development economist.
His professional background includes leadership roles at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), where he served as Vice President for Policy and Partnerships, and his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development between 2011 and 2015.
As agriculture minister, Adesina implemented significant reforms to Nigeria’s fertiliser distribution network, expanded food production capacity, and enhanced credit accessibility for small-scale farmers.
Following his election as AfDB’s first Nigerian president in 2015, Adesina advanced the institution’s “High 5” strategic framework: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
His presidential leadership drove major investments across infrastructure development, youth entrepreneurship initiatives, and agricultural modernisation programs throughout the continent.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture and World Food Prize Foundation CEO Tom Vilsack praised Adesina’s appointment, emphasising his transformative impact on agricultural and economic development.
“His leadership has reshaped the landscape of African agriculture—from fighting corruption to empowering farmers and driving sustainable growth. Sharing Borlaug’s conviction that food is a powerful tool for peace and progress, Adesina brings both deep expertise and a shared vision to the Foundation.”
