The World Food Prize Foundation has appointed Dr Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), to its Council of Advisors.
The Foundation’s President, Mashal Husain, made the announcement in a statement released to journalists in New York.
Adesina, who will complete his second 10-year term at AfDB in September, was the recipient of the 2017 World Food Prize.
Husain stated, “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 is appointed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors and includes former heads of state and government, ministers, and leading figures in agricultural science, education, policy, and research. The council provides strategic insight to advance the Foundation’s mission and uphold Dr Norman Borlaug’s vision.
Adesina, in response, expressed his gratitude 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.”
A globally recognised development economist and agriculture expert, Adesina was honoured with the 2017 World Food Prize for over two decades of leadership in agricultural transformation.
His past roles include Vice President of Policy and Partnerships at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development in Nigeria from 2011 to 2015.
As Nigeria’s agriculture minister, he championed reforms that expanded production, eliminated corruption in the fertiliser sector, and vastly improved credit access for smallholder farmers.
In 2015, Adesina became the first Nigerian to be elected President of the AfDB, where he led the “High 5” Agenda—to light up and power Africa, feed Africa, industrialise Africa, integrate Africa, and improve the quality of life for Africans. His tenure oversaw key investments in infrastructure, agriculture, and youth entrepreneurship across the continent.
In 2013, Forbes named him African Person of the Year.
Commenting on the appointment, 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 fueling 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 Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics from Purdue University and will commence his new role with the Foundation upon completing his AfDB presidency in September.
The World Food Prize, established by Dr Norman E. Borlaug—1970 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate—honours individuals who have significantly advanced global food quality, quantity, or availability.
Since its inception, the Prize has recognised 55 outstanding individuals, with the award presented annually during the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue—a week-long event focused on addressing global hunger and food security challenges.
