African nations could end up losing control of their data and AI if they don’t make sustainable investments in governance, infrastructure, and local talent, a new report has said.
At the launch of its Africa Evidence Outlook report in Nairobi on November 11 2026 the continent also acknowledged strides being made in the advancement of data and AI policy but has regressed to project-based work and continued external funding.
The report was officially presented at the 3rd Africa Health and Development Annual Research Symposium (AHDARS) themed “Building African-Centred Data and Knowledge Systems: Pathways to New Models and New Power. “
It assessed over 20 systems in health education genomics, research, and AI and found shortfalls in funding, infrastructure, and technical capabilities.
The report adds that Africa accounts for roughly 2. 8 per cent of the world’s share of scientific knowledge, and less than one per cent of its computing capacity. Data storage software connectivity and power were found to be a problem at 67 centres across 28 countries.
“Where we are is that countries have committed to AI. We now want to see those commitments translating to investment and practices and policy, ” said APHRC Executive Director Dr Catherine Kyobutungi.
The report cites projects like the African Population Cohorts Consortium and APHRC’s Data Architecture Systems and Standards as ways in which researchers can provide access to data but keep ownership of it within African institutions.
It calls for better institutional financing, funding for African research and the development of capital infrastructure, technical capacity, and continued support for research organisations in Africa.