By Emmanuel Babafemi
16 September 2026
Former Nigerian Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo has taken part in the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Advisory Group for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa’s Africa Health Financing Initiative.
He serves as Champion of the UNECA-led Transforming Health Finance in Africa initiative.
The meeting was hosted by UNECA Executive Secretary Mr Claver Gatete and Chief of Staff Aboubakri Diaw at the organisation’s headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Since the initiative’s launch in Tangier in April, momentum has been building.
Discussions focused on blended finance solutions for healthcare.
They also examined how philanthropic capital and expertise can drive implementation.
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Country leaders shared real feedback on progress.
Osinbajo welcomed direct insights from HE Jean-Marie Koffi Ewonoulé Tessi, Minister of Health of Togo.
He also heard from HE Khaite Sall, Minister of Health of Guinea, HE Mekdes Daba, Minister of Health of Ethiopia, Dr Daniel Mwai, Presidential Advisor on Health of Kenya, and HE Dr Marvin Nolan Fanny, Minister of Health of Seychelles.
Partners contributing perspectives included the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the African Development Bank, Afreximbank, WHO AFRO, Africa CDC, the Gates Foundation, Mastercard, UNFPA, UNICEF and UN Women.
The goal is clear.
Africa needs sustainable, Africa-led financing to build resilient health systems for all.
The initiative seeks to move the continent from aid dependency toward greater domestic ownership of health financing.
Ministries of finance and health are expected to work jointly rather than in parallel.
