- Africa CDC appointed Yemi Osinbajo as senior strategic adviser to its Director-General
- The role focused on advancing Africa’s health security and sovereignty agenda
- Osinbajo brought experience in governance, finance and policy reform to the position
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has appointed former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as a senior strategic adviser to its Director-General, Jean Kaseya.
The appointment was announced in a statement released on Monday, with the agency noting that Osinbajo’s new role comes at a crucial time as it advances the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening Africa’s position in global health governance, increasing domestic healthcare funding, accelerating local production of medical supplies, and enhancing the continent’s capacity to respond to pandemics and other health emergencies.
Kaseya highlighted Osinbajo’s extensive experience across multiple sectors, describing his appointment as a strategic move to bolster Africa CDC’s leadership capacity.
“Professor Osinbajo brings exceptional experience at the intersection of governance, finance, law, and diplomacy,” Kaseya said.
“At a time when Africa must act with greater ambition and authority on the future of health, his leadership will be invaluable.”
According to the agency, Osinbajo will provide high-level guidance on key priorities, including sustainable healthcare financing, regional and global partnerships, and policy direction for both Africa CDC and the African Union.
His responsibilities will also extend to supporting efforts to expand local manufacturing of medical products, a critical component of Africa’s long-term health security strategy.
Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023, during which he played a prominent role in economic and policy reforms. He previously held office as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State between 1999 and 2007.
During his time in government, he chaired Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee and led initiatives aimed at improving the ease of doing business through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council. He also contributed to the implementation of key social investment programmes.
The Africa CDC said the appointment reflects its commitment to harnessing experienced African leaders to drive reforms and strengthen the continent’s healthcare systems in an increasingly complex global environment.