The University of The Gambia has renamed its School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in honour of Dr Akinwumi Adesina, former President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), recognising his far-reaching impact on agriculture, food security, and economic development across Africa.
The institution will now be known as the Dr Akinwumi Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, following a formal unveiling ceremony led by President Adama Barrow, who described the honour as a reflection of The Gambia’s deep appreciation for Adesina’s visionary leadership and lasting contributions to Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Celebrating a Transformative African Leader
Dr Adesina served as President of the African Development Bank from 2015 to 2025, a decade widely regarded as one of the most transformative periods in the institution’s history. Under his leadership, the Bank pursued ambitious reforms that strengthened Africa’s development financing architecture while placing agriculture and food security at the heart of continental growth.
Central to this agenda was the AfDB’s High 5s development strategy, Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa, and Improve the Quality of Life of Africans. Collectively, these initiatives impacted more than 535 million people across the continent, according to AfDB data.
During the same period, the Bank’s capital base expanded dramatically from $93 billion to $318 billion, the largest in its history. The institution also maintained its AAA credit rating and earned multiple global recognitions for governance, innovation, and development impact.
Advancing Food Security and Agricultural Productivity
Adesina’s legacy is particularly defined by his work in agriculture. Through the Feed Africa Strategy, the AfDB supported food security for more than 104 million Africans, while boosting agricultural productivity, value chains, and agribusiness development.
He also championed the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative, which accelerated the adoption of climate-smart, high-yield crop technologies and helped millions of farmers increase production and incomes.
These efforts reinforced agriculture’s role not just as a subsistence activity, but as a driver of jobs, exports, industrial growth, and economic resilience.
Tangible Impact in The Gambia
The honour also reflects Adesina’s direct impact on The Gambia. Under his leadership, the African Development Bank financed the Senegambia Bridge, a landmark infrastructure project that dramatically reduced travel time between The Gambia and Senegal, strengthened regional trade, and enhanced economic integration within West Africa.
In a letter conveying the decision to rename the faculty, The Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Prof. Pierre Gomez, described Adesina’s tenure as transformative, noting that his leadership helped drive economic growth, poverty reduction, and sustainable development across Africa.
Inspiring Future Generations
The University of The Gambia said the renaming of the school is intended to inspire students and researchers to emulate Adesina’s vision, determination, and commitment to Africa’s development, particularly in the areas of agriculture, environmental sustainability, and innovation.
In his response, Adesina described the recognition as exceptional, expressing deep gratitude for the honour and reaffirming his lifelong commitment to Africa’s transformation.
The tribute adds to a growing list of recognitions for Adesina, who in 2023 was conferred with The Gambia’s highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic, for his contributions to the country and the continent at large.
A Legacy Beyond a Name
Beyond the symbolic renaming, the decision stands as a powerful affirmation of agriculture’s central role in Africa’s future. As climate change, population growth, and global economic uncertainty reshape the continent’s priorities, the values associated with Adesina’s leadership, innovation, accountability, and inclusive growth, remain deeply relevant.
By immortalising his name within its academic institution, the University of The Gambia signals a commitment to producing graduates and ideas capable of driving Africa’s next chapter of agricultural and economic transformation.
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