Former Nigerian Vice-President to guide continental health strategy, financing, and local production drive under AHSS agenda

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has named former Nigerian Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, as Senior Strategic Adviser to its Director-General, Dr. Jean Kaseya, in a move aimed at accelerating the continent’s health transformation agenda.

The appointment, announced on Monday, April 6, 2026, comes at a pivotal moment as Africa CDC intensifies efforts to advance its Africa Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) initiative.

The AHSS framework is designed to reposition Africa in global health governance by boosting domestic health financing, expanding local production of vaccines and medical supplies, and strengthening resilient health systems capable of tackling future pandemics.

Welcoming the development, Dr. Kaseya described Osinbajo as a seasoned leader whose multidisciplinary expertise will be critical to the agency’s mission.

“Professor Osinbajo brings exceptional experience at the intersection of governance, finance, law, and diplomacy,” he 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 reflects Africa CDC’s resolve to leverage top-tier African leadership to drive health security, sovereignty, and sustainable development across the continent.

In his new role, Osinbajo will provide high-level strategic guidance on strengthening Africa’s position in global health systems, advancing sustainable and independent health financing, promoting local manufacturing of medical products, and building impactful partnerships. He is also expected to help shape policy direction for both Africa CDC and the African Union.

Osinbajo served as Nigeria’s Vice-President from 2015 to 2023, where he played a central role in economic reforms and social programmes. His tenure included chairing the Economic Sustainability Committee, leading ease-of-doing-business reforms through the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, and overseeing key national social investment initiatives.