The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) has honoured the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, with the 2025 Distinguished Economic Leader Award for leading landmark initiatives that have positively impacted over 565 million Africans.
The award was presented to Adesina during the opening of the U.S.-Africa Business Summit, held recently, in the presence of over 2,000 high-level delegates, including seven heads of state, many prime ministers, senior government officials, diplomats, and business leaders.
The Deputy Chairman of the Council, Jean Raymond Boulle, said the award celebrates Adesina’s decade of transformational leadership at the AfDB, which has reshaped Africa’s economic narrative and positioned the Bank as a globally respected development institution.
“Today, we celebrate Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, who as the President of the African Development Bank for the past decade, has advanced the Bank in transforming critical sectors to develop Africa through the Bank’s High 5s development priorities; Feed Africa, Light Up Africa, Industrialise Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa,” Boulle said.
Boulle added that under the High 5s, Adesina had delivered measurable impact across the continent.
According to him: “The African Development Bank’s signature High 5s initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Adesina, has delivered a measurable impact across the continent, positively transforming the lives of more than 565 million people. Africa’s economic trajectory has been revamped, making it a more attractive destination for businesses, ensuring mutual prosperity for the people of Africa, and increased partnerships, including with the United States,”
In his acceptance speech, Adesina thanked the Council and reaffirmed his commitment to Africa’s progress.
“I am deeply honoured by this recognition. I remain unwavering in my commitment to advancing Africa’s development and to championing opportunities for the continent’s youth, women, and businesses. Africa’s time is now, and together we must keep building the Africa we want,” he said.