In a major move to bolster the continent’s health leadership, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has officially appointed H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, the former Vice-President of Nigeria, as the Senior Strategic Advisor to the Director General, H.E. Dr. Jean Kaseya.
The announcement, made on April 6, 2026, marks a significant step in the Africa CDC’s mission to strengthen the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda. Prof. Osinbajo joins the institution at a critical juncture as it seeks to expand domestic financing, accelerate the local manufacturing of medical supplies, and build resilient systems capable of preventing future global pandemics.
Strengthening Africa’s Health Sovereignty
Prof. Osinbajo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a renowned Professor of Law, served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023. Known for his expertise in public policy and economic reform, he previously led Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee and pioneered several of the nation’s most impactful social investment programs. In his new capacity, he will provide high-level counsel on global health architecture reform and the strategic positioning of the African Union on the world stage.
Extolling the former Vice-President’s credentials, Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized that Osinbajo’s background in law and diplomacy is exactly what the continent needs to achieve its health goals.
“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 mobilizing African leadership of the highest calibre in service of the continent’s health security, sovereignty, and development,” said Dr. Kaseya.
In his role as Senior Strategic Advisor, Prof. Osinbajo will focus on fostering strategic partnerships and securing sovereign health financing. His involvement is expected to drive the transition toward a self-reliant African health sector, reducing the continent’s dependence on foreign health commodities through innovative policy leadership.
As the public health agency of the African Union, the Africa CDC continues to lead the charge in supporting Member States to improve disease surveillance and emergency response. The integration of one of Africa’s foremost legal and governance thinkers into its leadership structure signals a bold new era for African-led health initiatives.
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