By: Ayoade Esther Damola
Renowned economist and former President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, is set to receive the prestigious African Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 African Heritage Awards.
The ceremony is scheduled for April 11 in Ghana with Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, billed to present the award.
According to Adesina’s aides who disclosed the information, the honour is in recognition of his decades-long contributions to economic transformation, agricultural innovation, and sustainable development across the African continent.
They quoted the organisers of the African Heritage Awards as describing Dr Adesina as a “visionary leader whose work has significantly advanced Africa’s development agenda and improved the lives of millions.”
“His tenure at the African Development Bank has been marked by major initiatives in infrastructure, food security, and energy access.
“Other distinguished personalities to be honoured at the event include Dame Marcella and Antoinette Monsio Sayeh, both recognised for their contributions in their respective fields.
“This year’s ceremony is expected to attract high-profile dignitaries, policymakers, and development experts from across the continent, further reinforcing the event’s status as a key platform for celebrating African achievement and inspiring future generations”, they said.
The African Heritage Awards have over the years, celebrated some of the continent’s most influential figures.
Previous recipients include prominent leaders such as former Nigerian president, Goodluck Jonathan and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, alongside John Dramani Mahama himself, reflecting the award’s commitment to honouring excellence and leadership across Africa.
