Oluyemi Osinbajo calls for African digital infrastructure collaboration

Former Nigerian Vice President H.E. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo has called for enhanced cooperation among African nations to bolster digital infrastructure and identity systems. Speaking at the MOBEX Africa 2026 conference, Osinbajo highlighted the critical need for a unified approach to technology to ensure the continent remains competitive in the global digital landscape. He emphasized that building robust local capabilities is essential for Africa to fully harness the benefits of the digital economy and provide meaningful opportunities for its citizens.

Central to Osinbajo’s address was the role of digital identity in fostering financial inclusion across the continent. He argued that accessible and reliable verification processes are fundamental to bringing millions of unbanked Africans into the formal financial system. By streamlining digital identity systems through cross-border collaboration, African nations can create more opportunities for economic participation and reduce the barriers currently facing citizens in the digital space. He stressed that technology must serve as a bridge to inclusion rather than a barrier.

The former Vice President also addressed the complex issues of digital data ownership and control, urging African leaders and stakeholders to overcome challenges that often see local data managed by foreign entities. He advocated for solutions that empower domestic technological sectors and ensure that citizens are the primary beneficiaries of technological advancements. Osinbajo stressed that achieving this requires a strategic shift toward local data sovereignty and the promotion of healthy competition within the digital marketplace to prevent monopolies.

In his closing remarks, Osinbajo called on governments across the continent to prioritize the provision of reliable infrastructure as a foundation for digital growth. He noted that without stable electricity and widespread internet connectivity, the potential for digital integration into the global economy would remain unfulfilled. By fostering an environment that encourages innovation and protects local interests, Osinbajo believes Africa can transition from being a consumer of technology to a significant leader in the global digital revolution.