Africa is leading a transformative shift in global health through artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, according to a groundbreaking report released by the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), in collaboration with African research councils and institutions.
Titled Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa, the report is the first of its kind to systematically examine national-level perspectives across the continent on AI and data science for health. Based on consultations across 43 African countries and insights from over 300 stakeholders, it offers an unprecedented lens into Africa’s potential to create ethical, equitable AI governance structures that combat health inequities.
“The global AI governance framework remains ill-suited to Africa’s unique needs and priorities,” said Prof. Tom Kariuki, CEO of the SFA Foundation. “Our report champions a shift towards frameworks that reflect Africa’s context, ensuring impactful applications of AI for our health challenges—and for global health advancement.”
Key Findings: Gaps and Opportunities
The report highlights a rapidly growing landscape in Africa:
- Expanding National Investments: Mauritius, Nigeria, Malawi, Ethiopia, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia have launched national AI programs. Additionally, at least 39 African countries are actively investing in AI research and development. Examples include Rwanda’s Seed Investment Fund and Nigeria’s National Centre for AI and Robotics.
- Critical Gaps in Health-Specific AI Governance: While health is often cited as a priority in AI strategies, many African countries lack frameworks tailored specifically to govern AI’s responsible use in healthcare.
- Need for Inclusive Policy Development: Many AI policies fail to integrate gender equity or rural-urban dynamics. Closing these gaps is vital to avoid exacerbating inequalities in healthcare access.
“Incorporating AI into healthcare is not just about technology—it’s about strengthening our policy frameworks to ensure better health outcomes for all Africans,” said Dr. Uzma Alam, Programme Lead of the SFA Foundation’s Science Policy Engagement with Africa’s Research (SPEAR) Programme.
Moreover, the report notes that 35 African countries already have science, technology, innovation (STI), and ICT policies that could serve as foundations for AI governance tailored to health applications.
An encouraging trend is the surge in African-led research on AI and health data science, although the report warns that equitable North-South R&D partnerships must be prioritized to prevent new forms of dependency.
Recommendations: Pathways Forward
The report provides a roadmap for Africa’s leadership in AI for global health:
- Adaptive and Inclusive Governance: It advocates for governance models that integrate diverse perspectives—gender, rural-urban, indigenous knowledge—and foster innovation alongside equitable access.
- Innovative Funding Models: Local knowledge and grassroots innovation should be bolstered by new funding mechanisms that connect the informal sector to broader AI ecosystems.
- Strengthened Science Diplomacy: Africa must invest in science diplomacy to amplify its voice in shaping international AI standards, ensuring global agreements reflect Africa’s health priorities.
- Bridging the Gendered Digital Divide: Specific initiatives must address the gender gaps in AI access and participation across Africa.
“The report outlines pathways for leveraging AI to bridge gaps and overcome capacity constraints, while strengthening Africa’s leadership role in shaping global health policy,” said Dr. Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at SFA Foundation.
“We envision a world where AI advances health outcomes equitably,” added Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, which supported the report. “This report empowers African voices to shape the future of AI governance, not only in healthcare but across all sectors.”
Broader Impact and Global Relevance
The report reflects a year-long collaboration involving partners such as Cochrane South Africa, Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), and the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP).
“AI has the potential to revolutionize clinical trials and capacity development across sub-Saharan Africa—expediting progress, enhancing community-centeredness, and reducing costs,” noted Dr. Thomas Nyirenda, Head of Africa Office at EDCTP.
“Harnessing AI for global health requires not just innovation, but collaboration to create inclusive, transdisciplinary solutions,” emphasized Dr. Joanes Atela, Executive Director of ARIN.
A New Health Leadership Era for Africa
As Africa moves to the forefront of AI-driven health innovation, the SFA Foundation’s report offers a powerful call to action: to build ethical, inclusive, Africa-centered AI governance frameworks that not only solve today’s health challenges but also set global precedents for responsible innovation.
“Africa’s healthcare future requires robust policy frameworks to drive sustainable, community-centered change,” concluded Dr. Uzma Alam. “Through initiatives like STISA-34, we can influence global health innovation while crafting solutions rooted in African values.”
The full report and related policy outputs, including strategic recommendations for Nigeria, Malawi, and gender mainstreaming in AI policy, are available for download here.
Notes:
- Access the full report here.
- For media inquiries, contact Davies Mbela: d.mbela@scienceforafrica.foundation.
