The African Union has prioritised various emerging technologies with potential to improve health on the continent. These include e-health solutions; artificial intelligence; genomic medicine; and use of drones, among others.

The African Union Development Agency (AUDA/NEPAD) is spearheading efforts in implementing this mandate. The Agency uses a four-pronged approach:

  1. Establishing the AU High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET), which advises the African Union and Member States on harnessing emerging technologies.
  2. Supporting to the domestication of protocols for regulating emerging technologies.
  3. Enabling an integrated approach to the adoption of emerging technologies and innovation.
  4. Building the capacity of African policymakers, regulators, researchers, academia, youth, and other relevant stakeholders to increase knowledge and acceptance of emerging technologies.

However, for Africa to fully benefit from these technologies, African researchers, policy makers, communities, and other stakeholders must be included in the development of the technologies.