5 lessons from Adesina’s historic re-election as AfDB president with a 100% votes.
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#1 - Set a clear vision and lead with purpose
Upon assumption of office, Adesina set an agenda for the AfDB based on five development priorities known as the High 5s:
Upon assumption of office, Adesina set an agenda for the AfDB based on five development priorities known as the High 5s:
(1) Light up and Power Africa;
(2) Feed Africa;
(3) Industrialize Africa;
(4) Integrate Africa; and
(5) Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
And he did not just set out a plan, he has been diligently following through, from one milestone to another.
(2) Feed Africa;
(3) Industrialize Africa;
(4) Integrate Africa; and
(5) Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.
And he did not just set out a plan, he has been diligently following through, from one milestone to another.
#2 - Ethics matter, respect established rules and procedures
Do not abuse your position or take due process for granted no matter who you may be. The fact that you can do something doesn’t mean you should do it.
Do not abuse your position or take due process for granted no matter who you may be. The fact that you can do something doesn’t mean you should do it.
As the chief executive you may have unfettered power over employment, awards of contracts, and so on. Resist any urge, temptation or pressure to do as you please no matter your good intentions.
Respect processes, rules and procedures even if you find them frustrating and if you have to change any of them also follow due process in doing so. After all is said and done, when the chips are down, you will be glad you did.
#3 - Be ready to face allegations and scrutiny, not everyone wants you to succeed
It doesn’t matter how well you’re doing in your role or the accolades you have received, there is always someone who doesn’t like you.
It doesn’t matter how well you’re doing in your role or the accolades you have received, there is always someone who doesn’t like you.
You may not be able to change them but you can make it hard for them to find a credible reason to orchestrate your downfall. Remember nothing lasts forever, so your power or position won’t be an exception. Adesina was accused of abusing his position but he came out unscathed.
#4 - Conspiracy theories won’t save you, at least not for too long
Don’t bank on the fact that you have people behind you. Interestingly, rather than ensuring that the investigation process was credible, ...
Don’t bank on the fact that you have people behind you. Interestingly, rather than ensuring that the investigation process was credible, ...
the various petitions and public outcry was about preventing the independent investigation on the basis of “leave him alone, he is our son”.
Imagine if the independent investigation had been prevented, Adesina may still have been re-elected but certainly not with a 100% vote and even worse he would have a shadow of doubt hanging over his credibility, his name and his legacy which can hunt him later in his career.
#5 - Be so good that even those who dislike or disagree with you will have no choice but to respect you
Adesina’s performance has been stellar. In his 1st term, AfDB impacted 335m+ Africans, maintained its AAA-ratings by all major global credit rating agencies for 5yrs in a row
Adesina’s performance has been stellar. In his 1st term, AfDB impacted 335m+ Africans, maintained its AAA-ratings by all major global credit rating agencies for 5yrs in a row
... got an approval for a 125% increase in capital from $93 billion to $208 billion, and the Bank was ranked the 4th most transparent institution globally by Publish What You Fund, and the list goes on.
Personally he won the World Food Prize Laureate and Sunhak Peace Prize Laureate. Once he was cleared of the allegations without any doubt, he was not only reelected, he got a 100% vote of confidence from all regional and non-regional shareholders.
