African countries are at risk of losing control of their data and knowledge systems unless they increase investment in sustainable governance structures, digital infrastructure and local expertise, a new report has warned.
The Africa Evidence Outlook report highlights the growing need for African institutions and communities to take ownership of the systems used to collect, manage and analyse data, particularly as artificial intelligence (AI) increases the economic and strategic value of information.
The report was unveiled on November 11, 2026, during the 3rd Africa Health and Development Annual Research Symposium (AHDARS). It was developed through an analysis of data and knowledge portfolios from the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation) and GSMA.
The inaugural report, themed “Building African-Centered Data and Knowledge Systems: Pathways to New Models and New Power,” examines more than 20 systems covering health, education, genomics, research data and artificial intelligence.
It finds that although African countries have made progress in developing policies and frameworks governing data and AI, implementation remains constrained by inadequate financing, limited technical capacity and insufficient infrastructure.
The report identifies continued dependence on short-term projects, external funding and infrastructure beyond Africa’s control as major threats to the sustainability of locally developed knowledge systems.
According to the findings, Africa contributes approximately 2.8 per cent of global scientific knowledge but possesses less than one per cent of the world’s computing capacity.
Evidence reviewed from 67 institutions across 28 countries also reveals significant gaps in data storage, software, internet connectivity and energy infrastructure.
The report maps existing continental, regional and national frameworks, including the Malabo Convention and the Africa Declaration, highlighting the need to translate political commitments into practical investments and institutional capabilities.
APHRC Executive Director Dr Catherine Kyobutungi said Africa must strengthen its approach to data governance, ownership and sovereignty to ensure the continent determines how its information and knowledge are used.
She noted that frameworks such as the Malabo Convention, the African Union Data Policy Framework and the continental AI strategy must be implemented to support African-led innovation and development.
Kyobutungi said the ability to determine what is built from African data, who benefits and under whose conditions remains central to the continent’s digital future.
Despite the challenges, the report highlights successful initiatives demonstrating how African institutions can maintain control over sensitive information while supporting international research collaboration.
Among them are the African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC) and the Data Architecture Systems and Standards for APHRC (DASSA).
These platforms enable researchers to conduct analysis using data held within African institutions instead of transferring sensitive datasets outside the continent. This approach allows institutions to retain authority over their information while supporting collaboration and research.
SFA Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Tom Kariuki said data sovereignty should focus on establishing clear conditions governing access, use and sharing rather than restricting data movement.
He explained that the APCC model enables researchers across different jurisdictions to analyse information while data custodians retain control and accountability.
The report proposes eight interventions to strengthen African ownership of data and research systems. These include improving data discoverability, implementing existing continental commitments and ensuring AI tools deployed in healthcare and public services are tested using locally relevant data and contexts.
It also recommends stronger institutional financing models, increased investment in computing infrastructure and long-term support for organisations responsible for maintaining knowledge systems beyond individual project cycles.
GSMA Head of Africa Angela Wamola emphasised that sustainable digital health requires strong institutions, enabling policies, skilled professionals and trusted systems alongside technology.
She said the Digital Health Index can help governments identify gaps and direct investments towards stronger healthcare systems and improved access to quality services.
The report calls on governments to support research institutions and universities, technology companies to develop context-responsive solutions, and funders to provide sustained and flexible financing.
It stresses that Africa must build knowledge systems it can own, govern and leverage to advance its development priorities in an increasingly AI-driven global economy.