Africa is charting its path in global health innovation with the release of a groundbreaking report that outlines strategies for responsible and inclusive governance of artificial intelligence (AI) in the health sector. Titled Governance of Artificial Intelligence for Global Health in Africa, the report was developed by the Science for Africa (SFA) Foundation in partnership with research councils across 43 countries.
Drawing on input from over 300 experts and stakeholders, the year-long study examines how Africa can shape its own AI frameworks to improve healthcare access, equity, and resilience. Unlike earlier reports focused mainly on AI’s technical promise, this study prioritizes governance models rooted in African realities, emphasizing ethics, gender inclusivity, and local adaptability.
“Africa has the vision, talent, and institutions to define how AI should serve its people,” said Prof. Tom Kariuki, CEO of the SFA Foundation. “But unless we create governance models rooted in our realities, we risk reinforcing existing inequities.”
The report comes as countries like Rwanda, Nigeria, and Tunisia begin to roll out national AI strategies, many of which still lack healthcare-specific and equity-focused guidelines. Findings reveal that without context-specific governance, AI could exacerbate digital divides, particularly among women and rural communities.
SFA’s Dr. Uzma Alam emphasized the need for responsible innovation: “We’re not just looking at how to apply AI, but how to govern it in ways that reflect our communities’ needs.”
Despite the challenges, the continent is seeing a rise in AI investment funds, research hubs, and public-private partnerships in health-tech. The report urges African countries to leverage existing STI policy frameworks, bridge gender gaps in digital literacy, and engage more actively in global AI governance.
As Dr. Evelyn Gitau, SFA’s Chief Scientific Officer, noted, “We are no longer bystanders in the AI conversation. We are authors of our future.”
This new blueprint not only informs national policy but also seeks to reposition Africa as a leader in shaping ethical, inclusive AI for global health advancement.
Article by Jed Mwangi
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