Oluyemi Osinbajo urges African nations to unite on digital identity systems

Former Nigerian Vice President H.E. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo has called on African nations to deepen their collaboration in building robust digital infrastructure and identity systems. Speaking at the MOBEX Africa 2026 conference, Osinbajo argued that unified action is essential for the continent to secure its digital future and ensure that the benefits of technological advancement are felt by all citizens. He emphasized that a fragmented approach limits the continent's ability to compete effectively in the global digital economy.

A central theme of Osinbajo’s address was the critical issue of digital data ownership and control. He cautioned that African nations must overcome existing challenges where data is often managed or controlled by external entities, advocating instead for solutions that prioritize local capabilities. By asserting control over their own data, Osinbajo suggested that African countries could better protect their digital sovereignty and ensure that technological growth empowers local businesses and innovators rather than just international platforms.

The former Vice President also highlighted digital identity as a transformative tool for promoting financial inclusion across the continent. He called for the development of accessible and reliable verification processes that would allow millions of unbanked Africans to participate more easily in the formal economy. To achieve this, he urged governments to provide the necessary reliable infrastructure and foster a competitive digital landscape that encourages innovation.

Osinbajo concluded by stressing that the integration of Africa’s digital space is not merely a technical necessity but an economic imperative. He warned that without stronger partnerships and a focus on interoperable systems, the continent risks falling behind in the global race toward a digital-first future. His call to action at MOBEX Africa 2026 serves as a reminder to policymakers that bridging the digital divide requires both political will and a shared vision for continental connectivity.