The immediate past President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, is set to receive the prestigious African Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to Africa’s economic growth, agricultural development, and sustainable initiatives.
The award ceremony, organised by the African Heritage Awards, is scheduled for April 11, 2026, in Accra, Ghana. Former Ghanaian President John Mahama will formally present the honour in recognition of Adesina’s decades-long commitment to advancing the continent’s development agenda.
Described by the organisers as a visionary leader, Adesina’s tenure at AfDB is credited with driving major interventions in infrastructure, food security, and energy access, significantly improving the livelihoods of millions of Africans.
“Adesina’s leadership at the African Development Bank has left a lasting legacy of innovation, economic transformation, and sustainable development across Africa,” the organisers stated.
Other distinguished honourees at the event include Dame Marcella and Antoinette Monsio Sayeh, recognised for their remarkable contributions in their respective fields.
The African Heritage Awards have previously honoured notable African leaders, including former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and President Mahama, demonstrating the platform’s ongoing commitment to celebrating excellence and leadership across Africa.
The 2026 ceremony is expected to draw top dignitaries, policymakers, and development experts from across the continent, further cementing the awards as a key platform for recognising African achievement and inspiring future generations.
