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BusinessDay | 10.11. 2026

● Summary

- Former African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina received the 'Iconic Leadership and Excellence Award' from the BPI Foundation at the BPI Iconic Awards held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

- In his acceptance keynote address, Adesina emphasised that Africa must move beyond exporting raw materials and relying on foreign technologies by developing its own industries and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

Former African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina received the 'Iconic Leadership and Excellence Award' presented by the BPI Foundation at the BPI Iconic Awards in Johannesburg, where he also delivered a keynote address.

In his speech, Adesina said Africa already possesses the population, resources and markets needed to play a major role in the global economy, but must develop the capacity to transform these advantages into tangible economic strength. He emphasised that investment in people, regional market integration, stronger industrial capabilities and the development of globally competitive technologies would determine Africa's next phase of growth.

Noting that approximately 60% of Africa's population is under the age of 25, Adesina argued that governments should equip young people not merely to fill existing jobs, but to become entrepreneurs and problem-solvers. To achieve this, he proposed strengthening links between universities, vocational institutions and industry, while expanding apprenticeships and lifelong learning opportunities.

On trade, Adesina described the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an opportunity to build a stronger industrial base and a vast integrated market. Citing Nigeria's $20 billion Dangote refinery as evidence that African capital can compete on a global scale, he called for greater investment in sectors such as automobiles, batteries, pharmaceuticals, software and AI.

He also stressed that Africa should move beyond exporting raw minerals and instead develop its own capabilities in processing, refining, manufacturing and research. With global competition already underway in AI, semiconductors and robotics, Adesina argued that Africa must not simply use these technologies, but actively participate in creating them.

In closing, he emphasised the importance of ethical, long-term leadership, transparency and accountability in the management of public resources. He stated that leaders should be judged by the opportunities they leave for future generations and the strength of the institutions they build.

※ Akinwumi Ayodeji Adesina is the laureate of the 3rd Sunhak Peace Prize.

If you would like to learn more about his achievements in promoting peace, please click the link below for detailed information.

→ http://sunhakpeaceprize.org/kr/laureates/laureates_view.php?idx=71