January 19, 2026
Former Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo participated in the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Council Meeting held in Cannes, France, bringing together global leaders, policymakers and business executives.
Osinbajo described the gathering as an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends across Africa and beyond who are shaping development, governance and leadership initiatives on the continent.
The meeting included distinguished attendees such as UN Deputy Secretary General Ms Amina J Mohammed, former Presidents Dr Mary Robinson of Ireland, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, and Macky Sall of Senegal, former Prime Minister of Sudan Abdalla Hamdok, and former First Lady of South Africa Ms Graça Machel.
Other notable participants included Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Alhaji Aliko Dangote GCON, Founder and President of the Dangote Group, Baroness Valerie Amos, Master of University College at Oxford University, Ms Arancha González Laya, former Minister of Foreign Affairs for Spain, and Sir Masood Ahmed, President Emeritus of the Center for Global Development.
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The council also welcomed leaders such as Ms Vera Songwe, Chair of the Liquidity and Sustainability Facility, Ms Zeinab Badawi, President of SOAS, Dr Comfort Ero, President and CEO of the Crisis Group, Ms Mimi Alemayehou, Managing Partner of Semai Ventures, and Mr Nasi Rwigema, Lead at Now Generation Network.
Osinbajo’s attendance underscored his continued engagement in global leadership and development discussions, reflecting his role in influencing Africa’s strategic participation in international initiatives for sustainable growth and good governance.
The meeting served as a platform for exchanging ideas on policy, development finance and institutional leadership, with participants exploring innovative solutions to Africa’s contemporary challenges.
