Regional Actors Addressing Digital Health in Africa: Comparative Advantages, Challenges, and Opportunities

In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward regionalization on the African continent, as integrated and cooperative efforts have created positive impact in political, economic, and social sectors. In Africa’s health sector, regional actors have become active contributors to development and health agendas. The growth of information communication technology and particularly the rapid expansion of access to mobile phones and networks in Africa have opened opportunities to use these new technologies to improve the health and well-being of people across the continent.

Understanding how regional actors in this field operate will enable governments, policymakers, donors, and implementers to partner with them effectively to support the establishment and effective use of digital technology for health in Africa. This technical brief outlines the types of regional actors working in digital health in Africa, their comparative advantages and challenges, and the potential opportunities for regional actors to contribute to digital health. This brief is part of the ASH project Regional Health Sector Actor Landscape Series.