The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has appointed former Nigerian Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser to its Director-General, Jean Kaseya, in a move aimed at strengthening Africa’s health security and leadership in global health governance.
The announcement was made in a statement released on Monday and obtained by Politics Nigeria, with the continental health agency noting that Osinbajo’s appointment comes at a critical moment in its ongoing efforts to advance the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) agenda. The initiative is designed to reposition Africa’s role in global health decision-making, while also reinforcing the continent’s preparedness for future pandemics and public health emergencies.
According to the agency, the AHSS agenda focuses on expanding domestic health financing, boosting local manufacturing of vaccines and other essential medical commodities, and building resilient health systems capable of responding effectively to emerging health threats. It also seeks to amplify Africa’s voice in shaping global health policies and reforms.
Speaking on the appointment, Kaseya highlighted Osinbajo’s extensive experience across multiple sectors, describing him as a strategic asset to the organisation at a time when Africa must take more decisive action in safeguarding its health future.
“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.”
He added that the appointment underscores the Africa CDC’s commitment to engaging high-level African leaders with proven track records in public service and policy development to drive its mission forward.
“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,” Kaseya stated.
In his new capacity, Osinbajo is expected to play a key advisory role in shaping the strategic direction of the agency, particularly in areas related to global health architecture reform, sustainable healthcare financing, and the expansion of Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity. He will also provide guidance on strengthening strategic partnerships and enhancing policy leadership within the Africa CDC and the African Union framework.
Analysts say the appointment signals a broader push by African institutions to leverage the expertise of experienced political leaders in addressing the continent’s health challenges, especially in the wake of lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic. Strengthening local capacity and reducing reliance on external sources for critical health supplies have become key priorities for policymakers across the continent.
Osinbajo, who served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, brings a wealth of experience in governance and economic policy to the role. During his time in office, he was actively involved in several high-level initiatives aimed at stabilising and growing Nigeria’s economy.
Notably, he chaired Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee, which was established to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under his leadership, the committee developed strategies focused on job creation, infrastructure development, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises.
In addition, Osinbajo played a central role in improving Nigeria’s business environment through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), an initiative designed to make it easier to start and operate businesses in the country. His efforts in this regard were widely credited with enhancing Nigeria’s attractiveness to investors.
Before becoming Vice-President, Osinbajo served as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007, where he was instrumental in legal and judicial reforms. His background as a law professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria further underscores his expertise in legal and policy matters.
Observers believe that his diverse experience spanning law, governance, and economic management positions him well to contribute meaningfully to Africa CDC’s strategic objectives. His appointment is also seen as part of a growing trend of tapping seasoned African leaders to help shape continental institutions and policies.
The Africa CDC, established in 2017 as a specialised technical institution of the African Union, has been at the forefront of coordinating public health responses across the continent. Its role became particularly prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it led efforts to secure vaccines, strengthen surveillance systems, and support member states in managing the crisis.
With Osinbajo now joining its leadership structure as a senior adviser, expectations are high that the agency will further consolidate its efforts toward achieving a more self-reliant and resilient health system across Africa.
As the continent continues to navigate complex health challenges, including emerging diseases and limited healthcare infrastructure in some regions, the Africa CDC’s renewed focus on strategic leadership and collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Africa’s health future.
