WASHINGTON, D.C. — The President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has been awarded the Distinguished Economic Leadership Award by the United States Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), in recognition of his transformative contributions to economic development across Africa and his global leadership in advancing sustainable growth on the continent.
The prestigious honour was conferred during a high-level ceremony held in Washington, D.C., where global business leaders, policymakers, and development partners gathered to celebrate outstanding leadership in Africa’s economic transformation.
Speaking after receiving the award, the AfDB President expressed gratitude to the Corporate Council on Africa for the recognition, describing it as both humbling and inspiring. “I am greatly honored to receive the Distinguished Economic Leadership Award for transformative leadership in Africa and globally as President of the African Development Bank,” he stated. “This recognition reaffirms our shared commitment to building a prosperous, resilient, and inclusive Africa.”
Under his leadership, the African Development Bank has championed major developmental initiatives including the High 5s Agenda, which focuses on key priorities such as power and energy, food security, industrialization, regional integration, and improved quality of life for Africans.
The Council praised the Bank’s impactful reforms, innovative financing models, and strategic partnerships that have helped unlock billions in infrastructure, agriculture, health, and energy investments across African nations.
Also in attendance were U.S. government officials, African ministers, and representatives of international development agencies, many of whom commended the AfDB’s role in driving private sector participation and bridging Africa’s financing gaps.
The Corporate Council on Africa, founded in 1993, is the leading U.S. business association focused exclusively on connecting business interests between the United States and Africa. Its annual awards honour leaders who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing U.S.-Africa economic relations and sustainable development.