Former Nigerian Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has been appointed to a new international role as Senior Strategic Advisor to the Director General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The announcement marks another significant step in his post-government career, placing him at the centre of Africa’s evolving health leadership structure.
The appointment was confirmed in an official statement by the continental health agency, which highlighted the importance of the role at a time when Africa is strengthening its health systems and global influence. Osinbajo will serve as a key advisor to the Director General, Jean Kaseya, providing guidance on major policy and strategic issues affecting public health across the continent.
According to the statement, the decision aligns with the agency’s broader development plan aimed at improving Africa’s health independence and resilience. The initiative, known as the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, focuses on increasing local production of medical supplies, strengthening healthcare systems, and boosting funding from within the continent.
Explaining the rationale behind the appointment, the agency noted that Osinbajo’s experience in governance, law, and economic policy makes him well-suited for the position. In a statement, the leadership of the organisation said, “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 new role, Osinbajo is expected to advise on several critical areas. These include Africa’s participation in global health policy reforms, the development of sustainable healthcare financing systems, and the expansion of local manufacturing for vaccines and other medical products. He will also contribute to building strategic partnerships and shaping policies that strengthen collaboration among African nations.
His appointment comes at a time when African countries are working to reduce reliance on foreign medical supplies and improve their ability to respond to health emergencies. Experts believe that stronger political coordination and policy direction will be essential to achieving these goals, especially after the lessons learned from recent global health crises.
Osinbajo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as the country’s Vice President from 2015 to 2023. During his time in office, he played a major role in economic reforms, social investment programmes, and policy development. His leadership experience is expected to support Africa CDC’s mission to build more resilient and self-sufficient health systems across the continent.
The Africa CDC, an agency of the African Union, continues to lead efforts to coordinate responses to health challenges across member states. With Osinbajo’s appointment, the organisation aims to strengthen its strategic direction and reinforce Africa’s voice in global health discussions.
