African Development Bank President Adesina Celebrated with International Awards for Championing Women’s Empowerment
ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast – In a resounding affirmation of its commitment to gender equality, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and its President, Akinwumi Adesina, have been recognized with two top international awards for a compelling video showcasing Adesina’s leadership in empowering women across the African continent. This breaking news highlights a significant win for the AfDB and a powerful message for global development efforts.
Video Honored for Excellence in Communication
The video, titled “The President of the African Development Bank, Akinwumi Adesina, Honoré as a #Heforshe women’s champion of women,” secured a “Bronze Laureate” at the 46th annual Tellly Awards and a “Gold Winner” at the AVA Digital Awards 2025. Both competitions are highly respected for recognizing outstanding achievement in video and digital communication. The Tellly Awards, receiving over 12,000 submissions globally, placed the AfDB alongside industry giants like Pixar, ESPN, LinkedIn, and NATO. This isn’t just an award for a well-produced video; it’s a testament to the impact of the work being done.
AFAWA: Transforming Lives Through Financial Inclusion
The award-winning video was produced by the Bank’s AFAWA (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa) initiative. AFAWA isn’t just a program; it’s a game-changer. It’s directly responsible for mobilizing over $1.33 billion in financing through 185 partner financial institutions, directly benefiting companies led or owned by women in 45 African countries. This isn’t about charity; it’s about unlocking the immense potential of African women entrepreneurs, who are often overlooked by traditional financial systems.
From the UN General Assembly to Global Recognition
The video’s impact was first felt at the United Nations General Assembly in 2024, where it was showcased as part of a celebration honoring Adesina and other global champions of gender equality. The awards further amplify this message, demonstrating the AfDB’s dedication to integrating gender considerations into all aspects of its work. “Our objective was to briefly show how President Adesina has placed the integration of the gender dimension at the heart of his presidency,” explained Beth Dunford, Vice President of Agriculture, Human and Social Development at the Bank. “We are delighted to have been rewarded by the Tely Awards and the AVA Digital Awards.”
Why This Matters: The Economic Power of Women
The recognition comes at a crucial time. For too long, women in Africa have faced systemic barriers to accessing finance and participating fully in the economy. AFAWA is actively dismantling those barriers. Jemimah Njuki, Director of the Gender, Women and Civil Society Department at the Bank, emphasized this point: “African entrepreneurs are the engine of African economies. Our digital communications contribute to highlighting the concrete impact of the way in which AFAWA improves access to financing of companies led or held by women on the continent, and demonstrate how the bank transforms demography into dividend.” Investing in women isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do. Studies consistently show that empowering women leads to stronger economic growth, improved health outcomes, and more stable societies.
This double award win isn’t just a pat on the back for the AfDB; it’s a call to action for other development institutions and governments to prioritize gender equality and invest in the potential of African women. It’s a powerful reminder that when women thrive, Africa thrives. To learn more about the AFAWA initiative and its transformative impact, visit www.AFAWA.AfDB.org and discover how you can support this vital work.
