The report identifies key trends, gaps, and
opportunities in AI and data science for health across Africa.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and data science have positioned Africa at the forefront of global health, the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA) has said.
This was revealed in a report that examines national-level perspectives across Africa on AI and data science for global health.
The report, titled Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa, presented a view into the potential to improve AI governance in Africa to reduce the risk and stop the perpetuation of inequity.
The report by SFA is a culmination of a year-long effort involving convenings across Africa’s five regions, policy analysis and extensive surveys to identify policy gaps and opportunities in AI and data science for global health.
Grounded in consultations across 43 African countries, the report incorporates insights from over 300 stakeholders, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to its findings.
Prof Tom Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer of the SFA Foundation, said in a statement that the current AI infrastructure did not reflect Africa’s specific needs hence it was time for Africans to be innovative in coming up with AI that is reflective of Africa’s needs.
He said: “The global AI governance framework remains ill-suited to Africa's unique needs and priorities. Our report on AI in global health and data sciences champion a shift towards frameworks that reflect Africa's context, ensuring ethical, equitable and impactful applications of AI not only for our continent’s health challenges, but also to advance global health."
The report also identified key trends, gaps and opportunities in the Artificial intelligence and data science in health across Africa.
These include, increasing national investments, Need for health-specific AI governance and Inclusive AI policy development by incorporating policies that are gender sensitive and equity considerations.
Dr Uzma Alam, Program Lead of the Science Policy Engagement with Africa’s Research (SPEAR) program noted that closing these gaps is essential to prevent inequalities in access to AI advancements and health outcomes.
She said: “Incorporating AI into healthcare is not just about technology—it is about enhancing our policy frameworks to ensure these advancements lead to better health outcomes for all Africans.”
The report calls for the integration of diverse perspectives spanning gender, urban-rural dynamics, and indigenous knowledge into AI health governance frameworks. It highlights the need for adaptive policies that balance innovation with equitable access, while leveraging regional collaboration and supporting the informal sector.
