By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Dr. David Akuro Mbah has been honored by the African Animal Breeding Network (AABNet) as the debut recipient of the AABNet Iconic Award. The prestigious honor was presented on February 20, 2026, at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya, during the official launch of the landmark publication, African Livestock Genetic Resources and Sustainable Breeding Strategies.
The award recognizes Dr. Mbah’s “exceptional contributions to the advancement and transformation of the livestock sector in Cameroon and Africa”. Known affectionately by colleagues and students as “Daddy Mbah” or “Pa Mbah,” the 82-year-old scientist has spent over four decades at the forefront of animal genetics and breeding.
The ceremony featured moving tributes from former students and peers who described Dr. Mbah as a “scientist of unmatched skill” and a mentor who “chooses to uplift young scholars rather than diminish them”. Dr. Vincent N. Tanya, a long-time colleague, noted that Dr. Mbah’s life remains instructive, teaching others “how to age with dignity, humour, kindness, and an unwavering devotion to duty”.
Beyond his scientific rigor, Dr. Mbah was lauded for his integrity, having served on the Anti-Corruption Commission for the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation.
Born in 1943 in Ashong, Cameroon, Dr. Mbah’s academic journey took him from the Cameroon Protestant College in Bali to the University of Florida and Pennsylvania State University, where he earned his PhD in Genetics.
His career is defined by a deep commitment to his homeland. While many of his contemporaries sought opportunities abroad, Dr. Mbah chose to serve Cameroon, holding pivotal roles such as the Director of the IRZV research center in Wakwa and Technical Adviser to the Ministry of Scientific and Technical Research.
His research impact is felt across the continent. Notably, Dr. Mbah led the development of synthetic dairy and beef breeds (such as the Wakwa beef breed) tailored for African environments. These innovations have significantly improved productivity and adaptation in smallholder farming systems across Cameroon and Nigeria.
As he accepted the Iconic Award, Dr. Mbah’s legacy was solidified not just through his 55 peer-reviewed articles and numerous technical reports, but through the generations of African scientists he has inspired to use research as a foundation for sustainable development.
