America’s Corporate Council on Africa has honoured the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, with the “Distinguished Economic Leader Award” for what it described as his decade of transformative action in the bank.
Deputy Chairman of the Council, Jean Raymond Boulle, who presented the award, said it was in recognition of his decade-long leadership, which has transformed Africa’s development trajectory and improved the lives of over 565 million people across the African continent.
In a press statement on Friday, Boulle stated that the African Development Bank has transformed into a globally respected institution and partner of choice under Adesina’s leadership.
“We celebrate Dr Akinwumi Adesina as the President of the African Development Bank for the past decade, who has advanced the bank in transforming critical sectors to develop Africa through the bank’s High 5 development priorities (Feed Africa, Light up Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the people of Africa),” said Boulle.
The statement said the award was conferred on Adesina last Monday at the opening ceremony of the high-profile U.S.-Africa Business Summit, which drew 2,000 delegates, including government and business leaders, as well as distinguished guests, including seven Heads of State, multiple Prime Ministers, the diplomatic community, and leaders from key regional organisations.
According to Boulle, the African Development Bank’s High 5 initiative delivered a measurable impact across the continent, positively transforming the lives of more than 565 million people.
“This ambitious framework aligns strategically with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, demonstrating Africa’s commitment to global development objectives,” he said.
