Former Nigerian Vice President, H.E. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo, has called for stronger collaboration among African countries to improve digital infrastructure, strengthen digital identity systems and expand access to economic opportunities.
He said African countries must focus on practical solutions that give them greater control over their digital future while ensuring that technology improves the lives of citizens and businesses.
Speaking at MOBEX Africa 2026, held under the theme “Resetting Africa’s Digital Identity and Sovereignty: From Promise to Practice,” Mr Osinbajo said the continent must confront important questions about the ownership, control and use of digital data.
“When an African opens an account or registers for healthcare, who controls their information? Who benefits from this data? Who is accountable when something goes wrong?” he asked.
He noted that although Africa had made progress in mobile technology and financial technology services, the balance of digital power remained tilted towards wealthier countries and major technology companies with greater financial resources, infrastructure and expertise.
Mr Osinbajo acknowledged that African countries might not be able to compete independently in every area of advanced technology. However, he maintained that meaningful digital sovereignty was achievable through strategic choices and investment in local capabilities.
“We cannot legislate that imbalance away,” he said, arguing that African countries must find practical ways to protect their interests while engaging with global technology providers.
He explained that digital sovereignty should enable African countries to choose their technology providers, determine how data is used and protected, and ensure that essential services operate securely.
On digital identity, Mr Osinbajo called for systems that promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment, particularly for people who struggle to access formal services.
“The first is that we must make digital identity a foundation for inclusion and economic empowerment,” he said.
He explained that identity systems should be assessed by how effectively they serve citizens, especially those at risk of exclusion from financial services and public support.
Using the example of a farmer in a rural community, he said access to a recognised digital identity could help the farmer open a bank account and register for agricultural support. However, he stressed that registration must be accessible without requiring expensive devices or imposing unnecessary costs on users.
“Identity registration must be accessible. Verification must be straightforward, so people don’t need to establish their identity afresh at every institution,” he added.
Mr Osinbajo also highlighted the potential of digital transaction records to help small businesses demonstrate their economic activities and improve their access to credit.
He said governments had a responsibility to provide reliable digital infrastructure while encouraging competition and protecting consumers.
He called for effective mechanisms to resolve failed payments, ensure transparent charges and allow customers to share transaction records securely with lenders.
His remarks at MOBEX Africa 2026 underscored the need for African countries to combine digital innovation with practical policies that protect citizens, promote inclusion and strengthen the continent’s capacity to benefit from the digital economy.