The World Food Prize Foundation has appointed Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), to its prestigious Council of Advisors.
The announcement was made Tuesday in New York by the Foundation’s President, Mashal Husain, who commended Adesina’s enduring legacy in agriculture and development.
“President Adesina embodies the values and vision of Dr. Norman Borlaug—transforming bold ideas into tangible impact.
“His lifelong commitment to agricultural innovation and sustainability makes him an extraordinary addition to our Council of Advisors,” Hussain said.
A 2017 World Food Prize Laureate, Adesina is widely recognized for championing agricultural transformation and economic advancement across Africa.
He is set to conclude his second five-year term as AfDB President in September.
Reflecting on the new role, Adesina expressed deep appreciation: “Dr. Norman Borlaug was not only a mentor but a personal inspiration whose passion for ending hunger shaped my journey. I look forward to advancing bold, science-driven solutions that uplift farmers and feed nations.”
The Council of Advisors includes a distinguished group of former heads of state, ministers, and experts in food and agricultural sciences.
They provide strategic guidance to the Foundation’s board and staff in pursuit of Dr. Borlaug’s mission to strengthen global food security.
Adesina’s career has been marked by bold reforms, including his tenure as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, where he introduced transformative policies that expanded food production and increased access to financing for farmers.
At the helm of the AfDB, he launched the “High 5” Agenda—focused on powering, feeding, industrializing, integrating, and improving quality of life across Africa.
