AfDB’s Adesina receives UDSM accolade for development impact

Dar es Salaam. The University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) has conferred an honorary Doctor of Science degree honoris causa on African Development Bank (AfDB) president Dr Akinwumi Adesina in recognition of his outstanding contribution to Africa’s socio-economic transformation.

Dr Adesina received the accolade during UDSM’s 55th graduation ceremony (Phase One), held in Dar es Salaam on Friday, June 13, 2025.

The degree was conferred by the Chancellor of the University of Dar es Salaam, former President Jakaya Kikwete.

“This award celebrates not just a man, but a movement of ideas and a force for development that has uplifted millions across Africa,” said UDSM Council Chairperson, Ms Mwanaidi Maajar.

“Today, we honour one of the most impactful development thinkers of our time—Dr Akinwumi Adesina—for his visionary leadership in transforming Africa through financial innovation and strategic development initiatives,” she added.

The conferment follows UDSM’s tradition of recognising distinguished individuals every three years, whose impact transcends disciplines and national boundaries.

Reflecting on Dr Adesina’s rise to the AfDB presidency ten years ago, Mr Kikwete recalled a decisive moment that led Tanzania to support his candidacy.

“The President of Nigeria flew to Tanzania and urged us to back Adesina, saying, ‘He is a great guy.’ I instructed our then Finance Minister to vote for him—and that decision has paid off. Tanzania has reaped considerable benefits from its leadership,” he said.

Former UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof Rwekaza Mukandala, provided a brief biography of Dr Adesina before the conferment.

Born in Nigeria in 1960 as the second of four children, Dr Adesina was raised in a modest household where education was highly valued.

His father, who began as a farm labourer before joining the civil service, worked tirelessly to ensure his children received a quality education.

Although Dr Adesina initially aspired to become a doctor, he ultimately pursued agricultural studies—a decision that has shaped his career as a globally respected development expert.

In his acceptance speech, Dr Adesina expressed deep appreciation to the university.

“I’m immensely grateful to the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor, University Council, faculty, and staff of the University of Dar es Salaam for awarding me this honorary doctorate from Tanzania’s most prestigious university,” he said.

He emphasised his close ties to Tanzania, noting that he has visited the country more often than any of his predecessors at the AfDB.

“We believe in the promise of Tanzania—a promise that begins each day at this great institution, the University of Dar es Salaam. Looking at the Class of 2025, I see game-changers—equipped with wisdom and ready to transform the world. By graduating today, you’ve earned your freedom—the freedom to lead and make an impact,” he said.

Dr Adesina also outlined the growing partnership between the AfDB and Tanzania, hinting that from 1971 to 2015, the Bank extended $9 billion in financing to the country.

However, under his leadership in the past decade alone, Tanzania has received $4.73 billion—equivalent to 53 percent of the Bank’s total support over the past 54 years.

Reacting to the recognition, University of Dodoma economist Dr Rose Mbaga described the award as a fitting tribute.

“Dr Adesina has not only empowered African economies, but his leadership has also restored confidence in African institutions. UDSM’s decision to honour him reflects growing recognition of African-led development efforts,” she said.

She added, “This also signals that Tanzania values homegrown solutions and celebrates individuals who bring meaningful, lasting change. Dr Adesina’s legacy will continue shaping Africa’s economic trajectory,” she added.