Africa CDC appoints Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser

Africa, Health

ABUJA, April 7, 2026 (NPA) — The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has appointed former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as Senior Strategic Adviser to Director-General Jean Kaseya, reinforcing leadership capacity for continental health priorities.

The announcement was made by Margaret Edwin, Director of Communication and Public Information at Africa CDC, in a statement issued Monday.

Edwin explained that the appointment aligns with the Africa Health Security and Sovereignty Agenda, which seeks to strengthen Africa’s voice in global health, boost domestic financing, and expand local production of health commodities.

She said Osinbajo would advise on Africa’s positioning in global health architecture reforms, sustainable health financing, local manufacturing, and building strategic partnerships to advance continental health resilience and cooperation.

Edwin added that the former vice-president brings exceptional experience across governance, finance, law, and diplomacy, noting that his leadership would be critical as Africa seeks greater authority in shaping its health future. “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,” she said.

She further noted that Osinbajo’s experience in public policy and governance would support efforts to build resilient health systems across African Union member states, particularly in pandemic preparedness, prevention, and response initiatives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Osinbajo, a Professor of Law and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, served as Nigeria’s vice-president from 2015 to 2023, contributing to policy and governance reforms during his tenure.

He also served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, where he played significant roles in legal administration and institutional reforms.

During his time in government, he chaired Nigeria’s Economic Sustainability Committee, led ease-of-doing-business reforms, and advanced social investment programmes, while coordinating key economic policies across multiple sectors nationwide to drive inclusive grow.