The World Food Prize Foundation has announced the appointment of the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, to its Council of Advisors.
Adesina, who completes his second and final 10-year term at the AfDB in September, was the 2017 World Food Prize Laureate.
The World Food Prize Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of 2017 World Food Prize Laureate and President of the African Development Bank Akinwumi Adesina to the Foundation’s Council of Advisors! 👏✨🌍
Learn more about Dr. Adesina: https://t.co/W0hRtX7aFp pic.twitter.com/CdmxU6HKEA
— World Food Prize Foundation (@WorldFoodPrize) June 10, 2025
Husain said:
“President Adesina embodies the values and vision of Dr Norman Borlaug transforming bold ideas into tangible impact.
“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 Council of Advisors, appointed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, includes former Heads of State and Government, Ministers, and leaders in food and agricultural science, education, research, and policy.
They provide the Board and staff with insights and guidance on advancing the mission of the organisation and Dr Borlaug’s vision for the World Food Prize Foundation.
The statement quoted Adesina as expressing deep appreciation for the appointment:
“I am deeply honoured to join the Council of Advisors of the World Food Prize Foundation.
“Dr Norman Borlaug was not only a mentor, but 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.”
Adesina is an agriculture expert and globally recognised development economist who received the 2017 World Food Prize for more than two decades of leadership and impact.
He previously served as Vice President, Policy and Partnerships, at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), under the Rockefeller Foundation.
From 2011 to 2015, he was Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
Adesina has been at the forefront of galvanising political will to transform African agriculture through numerous initiatives. These efforts expanded agricultural production, curbed corruption in Nigeria’s fertiliser sector, and significantly increased credit access for smallholder farmers across the continent.
In 2015, he became the first Nigerian to be elected President of the African Development Bank, serving a 10-year tenure during which he spearheaded the “High 5” agenda:
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Light up and power Africa
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Feed Africa
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Industrialise Africa
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Integrate Africa
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Improve the quality of life for the people of Africa
During his presidency, he oversaw major funding initiatives in infrastructure, agriculture, and youth entrepreneurship across Africa.
In 2013, he was named Forbes African Person of the Year.
Tom Vilsack, CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation, said:
“Dr Adesina has long been a trailblazer in global agriculture and economic development.
“His leadership has reshaped the landscape of African agriculture, from fighting corruption to empowering farmers and fuelling sustainable growth.
“Sharing Dr Borlaug’s conviction that food is a powerful tool for peace and progress, Dr Adesina brings both deep expertise and a shared moral compass to the Council of Advisors.”
Adesina holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University. He will assume his role on the Council after concluding his tenure as President of the AfDB in September.
The World Food Prize is an international award that honours individuals who have improved the quality, quantity, or availability of food globally.
It was founded by Dr Norman E. Borlaug, recipient of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, for his contributions to increased agricultural output during the Green Revolution.
Since its inception, the Prize has been awarded to 55 distinguished individuals during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue.
The Dialogue, also known as the Borlaug Dialogue, is a week-long series of events dedicated each year to addressing global food insecurity and hunger.
