On the 20th of September 2023, the African Association of Agricultural Economists (AAAE), during its 7^th African Conference of Agricultural Economists in Durban, South Africa, bestowed its highest honour upon five distinguished individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of agricultural economics and agribusiness across Africa. These luminaries were recognized as the AAAE Distinguished Fellows of 2023:

1. Dr. Namanga Ngongi (Cameroon): Dr. Ngongi, a Cameroonian luminary, held the prestigious position of President at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA). His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to improving agricultural practices and food security in Africa have had a profound and lasting impact.
2. Prof. Ruth Oniang’o (Kenya): Professor Oniang’o, a distinguished Kenyan nutritionist and agricultural economist, has devoted her career to addressing the nutritional challenges facing Africa. Her innovative research and advocacy have paved the way for more sustainable and nutritious food systems on the continent.
3. Prof. Edward Mabaya (Zimbabwe): A stalwart in the field, Professor Mabaya, who serves as a faculty member at Cornell University, has been a driving force behind agricultural research and policy formulation. His work has significantly contributed to the development of resilient and efficient agricultural systems in Africa.
4. Dr. Jonas Chianu (Nigeria): Dr. Chianu, with a rich background at the African Development Bank, has been at the forefront of financial strategies and investments to support agricultural development. His expertise in project financing and development has positively impacted numerous agricultural initiatives across the continent.
5. Mr. Mamadou Biteye OBE (Ghana): Mr. Biteye’s exemplary service at the African Capacity Building Foundation has been instrumental in strengthening the human and institutional capacity needed for sustainable agricultural development in Africa. His dedication has facilitated the growth and empowerment of African institutions.

The AAAE Distinguished Fellows program was started in 2007. The Distinguished Fellow represent a group of leaders who have not only contributed to the advancement of the agricultural economics sector in Africa but have also worked tirelessly to enhance food security, economic development, and sustainable agricultural practices across the continent.

Their collective wisdom and commitment serve as an inspiration to the current crop of leaders and future generations of agricultural economists and practitioners, demonstrating the significant positive impact that their visionary leadership and dedicated efforts have had on Africa’s agricultural landscape.