New report unveils role of AI in African healthcare

A previous report by The Lancet Infectious Diseases highlights the role of AI in enhancing surveillance, detection, prediction, and response capabilities for infectious diseases that are increasingly prevalent due to climate change in Africa.

AI can improve outbreak detection, data integration, workforce capacity, and decision-making, helping Africa manage over 160 disease outbreaks that occur annually.

Titled "Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa," the report analyses data from 43 countries and over 300 stakeholders. It finds that while 35 African countries have frameworks for Science, Technology and Innovation, Information and Communication Technology, or health research related to AI, most still lack health-specific AI governance strategies. Despite health being a priority in AI discussions, regulatory frameworks remain underdeveloped, particularly in addressing ethics, gender equity, and inclusivity across urban-rural divides.

The research was conducted through the Science Policy Engagement with Africa’s Research programme, led by Dr. Uzma Alam. It employed a combination of policy mapping, bibliometric studies, surveys, and stakeholder interviews to provide both empirical insights and contextual analysis of governance readiness. The report suggests that countries such as Nigeria, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Mauritius, and Tunisia are making progress. Notably, Nigeria has launched a National Centre for AI and Robotics, while Rwanda has established a Seed Investment Fund to support AI startups.

The findings also indicate that AI is already being integrated into areas like genomics, pandemic response, diagnostics, and clinical trials. However, challenges such as access to locally generated data, equitable partnerships, and the inclusion of indigenous knowledge remain unresolved in many countries. Policy recommendations advocate for the adaptation of existing continental strategies, such as the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy, to regulate AI in health.

The report further emphasises the importance of integrating gender, equity, and informal sector perspectives into governance frameworks to ensure balanced health outcomes.
Successes highlighted include active engagement by public institutions in AI policy formulation, particularly in Malawi and Senegal, as well as an increase in public-private partnerships in AI-enabled health solutions. 

However, the report warns that without robust governance, potential inequities in access and outcomes may arise. It urges African governments to develop context-specific AI strategies that align with national health goals, foster inclusive innovation, and prepare for the continent’s expanding digital health landscape.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance health systems in Africa through real-time outbreak detection and disease characterisation. 

The Africa CDC, via the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative, is improving outbreak surveillance by leveraging AI to rapidly process epidemiological and genomic data. This enables the early identification of pathogens, tracking of genetic mutations, and informs vaccine and diagnostic development.

Implementing AI in global health across Africa requires policy frameworks that are context-specific and inclusive. While health features prominently in many AI discussions, most African countries still lack governance structures tailored to healthcare technologies. Without adaptive regulations, AI risks widening inequalities instead of improving health outcomes.

There is a strong foundation to build upon, as over 35 African nations already have national science, technology, innovation, and ICT policies applicable to AI. The current rise in health AI research highlights the urgency of equitable North-South partnerships and funding models that support grassroots innovation and informal health sectors.

For AI to succeed, inclusive governance is vital. This includes integrating gender perspectives, indigenous knowledge, and rural-urban dynamics. Strengthening science diplomacy and increasing African representation in global AI forums will ensure that Africa shapes, rather than merely receives, health technologies aligned with its needs.