Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has been crowned the All Africa Business Leaders Awards’ (AABLA) first-ever ‘African of the Decade’ as he concludes a 10-year tenure marked by several laudable initiatives to improve lives across Africa.



The award recognized Adesina’s efforts to develop the continent and galvanize capital through his High 5 strategic initiatives: Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Industrialize Africa, Integrate Africa and Improve the lives of the People of Africa. His ambitious collaboration with the World Bank was to provide electricity to 300 million Africans. His term comes to an end next year.



Adesina thanked ABN Group Chairman Rakesh Wahi and his management for the accolade, one of a string that have come since his assumption of the only African financial institution rated AAA by all the three major rating agencies: Moody&#8217;s, S&amp;P and Fitch.



&#8220;God did not make a mistake when he made me an African. I will leave as an African and I will do all I can, to my final breath, for Africa. When I die and it’s time for resurrection, I will ask God for permission to come out with an African flag,’’ Adesina said, accepting the award today while at the Africa Investment Forum in Rabat, Morocco.



“But awards are not just recognition nor are they just for you. They are a recognition for an army of believers who join you to do what you are doing. It allows you to be inspired, to be motivated, to be more dedicated, to be more relentless with the vision that one has. Thank you to the ABN Group.’’



The AABLA, in partnership with CNBC Africa, were established by the ABN Group in 2012 to honor national, industry and business leaders who play pivotal roles in nurturing future generations, and contributing to the development of their organizations, countries and the continent.

Tag: African Of The Decade

FORBES AFRICA SOCIAL MEDIA

AfDB’s Adesina Crowned African Of The Decade By The All Africa Business Leaders Awards