In Summary 

African research leaders, policymakers and development partners have called for a fundamental shift in how the continent generates, owns and uses data and knowledge, arguing that Africa must take greater control of its research systems to accelerate innovation, influence policy and drive economic transformation.

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The call dominated the opening day of the 2026 Africa Health and Development Annual Research Symposium (AHDARS), that began yesterday in Nairobi.

This two-day symposium, held under the theme “Building African-Centered Data and Knowledge Systems: New Models, New Power. What Can Be Done Differently?”, has brought together researchers, policymakers, funders, private sector representatives, civil society organisations and innovators from Africa and beyond.

Discussions on the opening day centred on the need to establish African-owned, ethical, inclusive and interoperable data systems capable of responding to the continent's development priorities.

Participants examined how Africa can move beyond being a consumer of externally generated research and technology to becoming a producer of knowledge, solutions and innovations that address its own challenges.

Opening the symposium, APHRC Executive Director Dr Catherine Kyobutungi described data and knowledge as among Africa's most valuable resources, drawing comparisons with the continent's natural wealth.

“Data and knowledge systems are Africa's new oil. But how do we work together to harness this immense resource and ensure that its value benefits our people?” she posed.

Kyobutungi argued that Africa's data future must be shaped through local ownership, leadership and investment rather than continued dependence on external systems and priorities.

She maintained that African data systems should be built by Africans, owned by Africans and designed to serve African interests.

Her remarks highlighted the importance of moving beyond discussions and commitments towards practical action that enables African institutions and researchers to define the continent's knowledge agenda.

The question of ownership also featured prominently in the remarks by Dr Tom Kariuki, Chief Executive Officer of the Science for Africa Foundation, who challenged the perception that Africa lacks the capacity to develop and manage its own data systems.

Kariuki observed that the continent already possesses substantial research talent and data, but continues to face challenges relating to ownership, infrastructure and influence.

“Africa has no shortage of talent or data. What we need is ownership, infrastructure and influence. We are not bench players. The question is no longer whether Africa can build its own data systems, but how quickly,” he said.

His remarks pointed to the need for stronger investment in research infrastructure, institutional capacity and systems that allow African researchers to generate, manage and apply knowledge on their own terms.

The challenge extends beyond collecting data to ensuring that African institutions have the technical capacity, resources and decision-making authority to transform research findings into practical solutions.

Meanwhile, Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak, Principal Secretary in Kenya's State Department for Science, Research and Innovation, called for stronger collaboration between research institutions, government, the private sector and other development stakeholders.

He emphasised that coordinated partnerships could help Africa establish a stronger connection between scientific research, innovation, commercialisation and tangible economic and social benefits.

“Through meaningful and coordinated collaboration, Africa can harness its data and knowledge systems to drive a continuum from research to innovation, commercialization, and ultimately, economic and social impact for shared prosperity,” he said.

Abdulrazak further stressed that Africa must transition from simply consuming data and knowledge to generating insights that inform decisions, improve people's lives and support sustainable development.

His remarks reinforced the importance of connecting scientific research with policy implementation and commercial opportunities, ensuring that knowledge generated within African institutions translates into solutions that benefit communities.

Beyond the opening speeches, AHDARS 2026 is providing a platform for discussions on some of the most pressing issues shaping Africa's research and development landscape.

The programme features keynote presentations, scientific and policy discussions, fireside conversations, masterclasses and sessions showcasing innovative approaches to strengthening the continent's data and knowledge ecosystems.

Key areas of focus include digital health, data governance, interoperability, responsible artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and evidence-informed policymaking.

These discussions come at a time when digital technologies and artificial intelligence are increasingly influencing how health information is collected, processed and applied in decision-making.

For Africa, the challenge is not simply adopting emerging technologies but ensuring that their development and application reflect local realities, protect communities and strengthen the continent's ability to determine its own development priorities.

The symposium's emphasis on African-centred knowledge systems also raises broader questions about who controls research data, who benefits from scientific discoveries and how African institutions can secure greater influence in global research and innovation partnerships.

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As the symposium continues today, attention is expected to remain on identifying practical approaches to strengthening African ownership, improving collaboration and ensuring that research and data translate into meaningful development outcomes.

Ultimately, the conversations at AHDARS 2026 point to a broader continental priority: building systems in which Africa is not merely a source of data or a recipient of externally developed knowledge, but an active leader in generating, governing and applying knowledge for its own prosperity.

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