By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Former Vice President of
Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has called on African countries to prioritise
digital inclusion, sovereignty and the development of local technological
capabilities to shape the continent’s digital future.
Osinbajo made the call while
delivering a keynote address at MOBEX Africa 2026 in Accra, Ghana, where
discussions centred on the theme, “Africa’s Digital Identity and Sovereignty:
From Promise to Practice.”
He outlined four priorities
for Africa’s digital development: making digital identity a foundation for
inclusion and economic empowerment; building the infrastructure and expertise
necessary to exercise meaningful control over digital systems; translating
regional cooperation into practical action; and developing Africa’s own
competitive niche in artificial intelligence.
Osinbajo said the first day
of the event had provided an opportunity for discussions on how Africa could
move from ambition to implementation.
“The opportunity before
Africa is enormous. What matters now is our ability to build the institutions,
capabilities and partnerships to realise it,” he said.
He thanked George Spencer
Quaye, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MOBEX Africa, for the invitation,
and Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh, Chief Executive Officer of BrainWave Africa, for
ensuring his attendance.
Osinbajo also highlighted
engagements with Ghanaian and African stakeholders, including Hon. Dr Julius
Debrah, Chief of Staff to the President of Ghana; Seth Terkper, former Minister
of Finance and current Economic Adviser to the President; Amb. Dr Lavina
Ramkissoon, Co-Chair of the African Union Science and Technology Commission;
and Elhanan Owureku Asare, Director of the Fintech and Innovation Office at the
Bank of Ghana.
