Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Honored with African Lifetime Achievement Award for Transformative Leadership 

WASHINGTON D.C. – May 4, 2026:  APCO congratulates Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on receiving the African Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades‑long contributions to Africa. Alongside APCO founder and executive chair Margery Kraus, Dr. Adesina co‑founded the Global Africa Investment Summit (GAIS), an APCO‑supported initiative focused on advancing investment‑led growth across the continent. 

Presented by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama at the 4th African Heritage Awards on April 11, the honor recognizes Dr. Adesina’s leadership in advancing economic transformation and sustainable development across the African continent. 

Dr. Adesina, former president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), shared his thoughts on the award: ”Africa is a continent of immense promise. This award is not just a recognition of my work, but a testament to what we can achieve when we believe in Africa’s potential and invest in its future. Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous Africa for generations to come.” 

Margery Kraus, co-founder of GAIS and founder and executive chair of APCO, praised Dr. Adesina’s visionary leadership, stating: “Dr. Adesina’s work embodies the spirit of the Global Africa Investment Summit. His dedication to unlocking Africa’s potential and fostering global partnerships aligns perfectly with our mission to accelerate investment and drive transformative growth across the continent. We are honored to celebrate his achievements as we continue to champion Africa’s bright future.”

Launched in February 2026, GAIS serves as a platform to connect Africa’s sovereign assets with global capital, fostering economic transformation and innovation. Bringing Dr. Adesina’s leadership, credibility and decades of deep engagement with African governments, GAIS aims to convert Africa’s untapped public assets into sustainable investments, creating opportunities that will shape the continent’s future.

Photo Credit: AfriHeritage