Experts have called on African nations to develop ethical and inclusive policies for artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare to ensure equitable access and responsible innovation.
A report from the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), in collaboration with African research institutions, highlights urgent need for governance frameworks to align with the continent’s unique health challenges and priorities. They urged African leaders to develop AI policies that strengthen health systems and address disparities.
The report, titled “Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa”, is the first comprehensive study examining AI and data science policies across 43 African countries. It combines insights from over 300 stakeholders and targets the growing role of AI in healthcare, while warning of the risks posed by weak governance structures.
“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 calls for frameworks that ensure ethical, equitable, and impactful AI applications-not just for Africa’s health challenges, but for global health advancement.”
The report also highlights increasing investments in AI-driven healthcare across the continent. Countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Senegal, and Tunisia have launched national AI programs, while at least 39 African nations are actively investing in AI research and development. Initiatives like Rwanda’s Seed Investment Fund and Nigeria’s National Centre for AI and Robotics reflect the region’s commitment to technological innovation.
Despite several advancements, the report identifies critical gaps in governance, particularly regarding the ethical use of AI in healthcare. It stresses the need for regulatory frameworks that address concerns such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the digital divide.
“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,” said Dr Uzma Alam, Programme Lead of the Science Policy Engagement with Africa’s Research (SPEAR) programme.
One of the major concerns raised in the study is the lack of gender and equity considerations in existing AI policies. Many national strategies fail to address disparities in access to AI-driven healthcare solutions, potentially deepening inequalities. The report calls for inclusive governance that considers gender representation, rural-urban healthcare access, and the integration of indigenous knowledge systems.
“Engaging 43 countries and over 300 stakeholders revealed that Africa’s healthcare future requires not just technology, but robust policy frameworks to drive sustainable, community-centered change. Through STISA-34, we aim to craft solutions reflecting African needs and values while influencing global health innovation. This milestone is a testament to the tireless efforts of my team and our partners, shaping a future where AI meets the health needs of all Africans and beyond,” Alam added.
To address these challenges, the report recommends adaptive and inclusive AI governance, innovative funding models for AI research, and stronger regional collaboration.
Dr. Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at the SFA Foundation, sees this as a defining moment. “Experts envision AI policies as the key to boosting health systems and bridging disparities, positioning Africa as a global innovator,” she said.
The report has garnered wide support. Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, a key backer, praised its vision.
He also advocated for increased African representation in global AI discussions to ensure that policies reflect the continent’s needs.
“We envision a world where AI advances health outcomes equitably, benefiting communities around the world. The Science for Africa Foundation’s report brings this vision to life by providing clarity on policy frameworks of AI and data science in global health.
“ This empowers African voices to shape AI policy – not only directing healthcare innovation but setting a precedent for inclusive AI governance across sectors.” he noted.
“We envision a world where AI advances health outcomes equitably, benefiting communities around the world,” said Vilas Dhar, President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation.
Reinforcing the urgency, Dr. Thomas Nyirenda, Head of Africa Office, European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP), highlighted AI’s potential to streamline clinical trials in sub-Saharan Africa, cutting costs and centering communities—if guided by strong policies.
“AI has the potential to positively change the way Clinical Trials and Capacity Development are conducted in sub-Saharan Africa such as expediting progress, increasing community-centredness and reduction of costs. Through the Global Health EDCTP3 strategic research and innovation agenda, the Partnership places significance on the digitalisation of the health sector, including health technologies, medical devices, key enabling technologies, and decision-support systems, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. We look forward to this bright future in sciences for global health,” Dr Nyirenda said.
Dr. Joanes Atela, Executive Director, Africa Research, and Impact Network (ARIN), emphasized collaboration, urging policies that blend local knowledge with AI for sustainable health systems.
Atela said, “At the Africa Research and Impact Network (ARIN), we recognize that the transformative potential of AI in global health requires more than just innovation, it demands collaboration in co-creating inclusive, transdisciplinary solutions. This collective approach ensures that AI governance in Africa is grounded in local realities, while also paving the way for sustainable and equitable health systems. By advancing inclusive policy frameworks and practices that integrate science, innovation, and local knowledge, we are committed to bridging the gap between global trends and local solutions, empowering Africa’s health resilience and climate adaptation efforts for a more sustainable future.”
Duduzile Zwane of Cochrane South Africa expressed excitement about driving equitable solutions through this work.
“It has been an honour to contribute to the discussions shaping the future of AI in health across the continent, and we look forward to leveraging this critical work to drive innovation and equitable health solutions for Africa.”
The “Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa” study serves as a roadmap for policymakers, researchers, and health practitioners to integrate AI into Africa’s healthcare strategies. With AI rapidly transforming the global health landscape, experts emphasize that Africa must take proactive steps to develop ethical policies that promote innovation while safeguarding public health.
The report, which was enabled by the support of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, was developed in collaboration with Human Resources and Science Research Council; South Africa Medical Research Council, National Research Foundation; Cochrane South Africa; l’African Open Science Research Platform; Malaria Research and Training Centre; mDoc; European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership; Insititute of National Planning; Academy of Scientific Research and Technology; L’Institut des Sciences Appliquées (ISA) de l’Université des Sciences, des Techniques et des Technologies de Bamako (USTTB); Research Enterprises Services; Africa Open Data and Internet Research Foundation; Nigeria Health Watch; Africa Research & Impact Network et Malawi Ministry of Education/Directorate of Science, Technology and Innovation, Institute of National Planning (INP), Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT).