By U.S.-Africa Business Summit
Adesina receives Distinguished Economic Leader Award
Summary
- AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina honoured for a decade of transformative leadership
- Award presented at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, Angola
- Tribute coincides with the approaching end of Adesina’s tenure in August 2025
Luanda, Angola — The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) has presented Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), with the 2025 Distinguished Economic Leader Award in recognition of his transformative decade-long leadership of the Bank.
The award was conferred during the opening ceremony of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit held on June 24, 2025, in Luanda, Angola. The event drew over 2,000 participants, including seven Heads of State, Prime Ministers, high-ranking government officials, diplomats, and business executives.
Under Adesina’s stewardship, the AfDB rolled out its signature High 5s priorities—Feed Africa, Light Up Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa—which have positively impacted more than 565 million people across the continent and driven significant progress in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, industry, and human development in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Adesina also oversaw landmark achievements such as record capital increases for the Bank, the introduction of green bonds and other innovative financial tools, and stronger global partnerships with institutions including the United States and the European Union.
Speaking at the ceremony, CCA Deputy Chairman Jean Raymond Boulle praised Adesina for reshaping the AfDB into a globally respected institution and vital development partner for Africa.
In his acceptance speech, Adesina expressed heartfelt appreciation for the honour, reiterating his commitment to creating opportunities for Africa’s youth, women, and entrepreneurs while advancing a message of hope, innovation, and resilience.
The award comes as Adesina approaches the conclusion of his second and final term as AfDB President on August 31, 2025.
