Africa CDC Appoints Former Nigerian Vice President Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Advisor
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has announced the appointment of former Nigerian Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, as Senior Strategic Advisor to the Africa CDC Director General, Dr. Jean Kaseya. This significant appointment occurs at a crucial time as the organization intensifies efforts to enhance Africa's health security and sovereignty on the global stage.
Strategic Role in Advancing Health Agenda
Professor Osinbajo will assume his new responsibilities as Africa CDC progresses the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda. This comprehensive initiative aims to amplify Africa's influence in international health discussions, secure innovative and domestic financing, accelerate local manufacturing of essential health commodities, and construct resilient health systems. The overarching goal is to improve pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response capabilities across the African continent.
Distinguished Background and Experience
Professor Yemi Osinbajo served as Vice-President of Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, following his tenure as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007. A renowned Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he is widely recognized as one of Africa's foremost experts in legal, public policy, and governance matters. During his public service career, he chaired Nigeria's Economic Sustainability Committee, guided major economic reform initiatives, led ease-of-doing-business reforms through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, and was instrumental in implementing significant social investment programs.
Leadership Endorsement and Strategic Focus
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized the importance of this appointment, stating, "Professor Osinbajo brings exceptional experience at the intersection of governance, finance, law, and diplomacy. At a time when Africa must act with greater ambition and authority on the future of health, his leadership will be invaluable. This appointment reflects Africa CDC's commitment to mobilising African leadership of the highest calibre in service of the continent's health security, sovereignty, and development."
In his advisory capacity, Professor Osinbajo will provide strategic guidance on several critical areas:
- Africa's positioning within global health architecture reform efforts
- Sustainable and sovereign health financing mechanisms
- Advancement of local manufacturing capabilities for health products
- Development of strategic partnerships with international organizations
- Policy leadership for both Africa CDC and the African Union
This appointment underscores Africa CDC's dedication to leveraging top-tier African expertise to address the continent's pressing health challenges and strengthen its autonomy in health governance.
