MOBEX Africa 2026: Former Nigerian Veep Osinbajo calls for stronger African digital collaboration

Former Nigerian Vice President, H.E. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo, has urged greater African cooperation to bolster digital infrastructure, enhance digital identity systems, and broaden economic prospects. He emphasized the need for pragmatic strategies to secure Africa's digital future while ensuring technology benefits citizens and businesses alike.

Addressing attendees at MOBEX Africa 2026, Osinbajo posed key questions about data ownership, control, and utilization. He pointed out that despite recent advances in mobile and fintech services, digital power is still dominated by wealthier nations and leading tech firms. While acknowledging that some areas may be beyond individual African countries, Osinbajo stressed the feasibility of achieving digital sovereignty through strategic investments and local capabilities.

He argued that digital sovereignty should grant Africans control over technology selection, data usage and protection, and secure essential services. In terms of digital identity, Osinbajo advocated for systems that foster financial inclusion and economic empowerment, especially for those struggling with formal service access. He used a farmer in a rural region as an example, stating that a recognized digital identity could enable the farmer to open a bank account and claim agricultural assistance.

However, he stressed that registration should be affordable and convenient, eliminating the need for expensive devices or additional expenses for users. Osinbajo also highlighted the potential of digital transaction records to assist small businesses in showcasing their economic activities and improving access to credit. He urged governments to provide dependable digital infrastructure, promote competition, and safeguard consumers, calling for effective mechanisms to resolve payment failures, ensure transparent fees, and enable secure customer access to transaction records for lenders.

His statements at MOBEX Africa 2026 highlighted the necessity for African nations to merge digital innovation with practical policies that safeguard citizens, promote inclusion, and bolster the continent's ability to derive value from the digital economy.