2015 – African Development Bank Elects Akinwumi Adesina

On May 25, 2015, Nigerian economist Akinwumi Adesina was elected President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), marking a new chapter in Africa’s financial strategy. As a former Nigerian Minister of Agriculture and a reformist economist, Adesina brought a vision of agricultural transformation, infrastructure investment, and youth empowerment. His leadership was seen as a shift toward African-led development with global competitiveness. Taking office on Africa Day added symbolic weight to the moment—underscoring the AU’s goals of economic integration, poverty reduction, and industrialization. Adesina’s \”High 5s\” agenda—Light up Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life—continues to guide AfDB initiatives. His election represented not only technocratic excellence but also the potential for African institutions to drive continent-wide change. May 25, 2015, is remembered as a milestone for economic self-determination and the growing influence of African-led financial leadership.