Across Africa, this gap in science-policy engagement is further widened by the limited representation of science innovators in critical policy dialogues on topical issues including climate change, artificial intelligence and other emerging areas. In some instances, policy dialogues are driven by limited data generated by funding partners who have a vested interest in the R&I priorities as opposed to objective contributions by innovators and those with lived experiences on the continent.
These factors hinder the implementation of evidence-based interventions and treatments, ultimately limiting the potential positive benefit of R&I to human lives and societies on the continent and elsewhere.
The SFA Foundation is advancing an African-led model for science-policy engagement based on scientific prioritisation, incorporation of endogenous knowledge, and community and public engagement. The goal is to drive diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in policymaking processes on the continent. This will increase the chance that trust will take root and resulting uptake of innovation will improve the lives of our societies and economies, meeting our developmental goals, and influencing those in other low- and middle-income countries.
The SFA Foundation convenes especially the African scientific community, funders, policymakers even media to identify R&D priorities for the continent. In this picture is the fourth in a series of AI & Data Science policy convenings hosted to discuss the critical policy gaps in AI and Data Science within the context of global health.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and Data Science policy gaps from an African perspective. The African STI landscape is witnessing the emergence of AI and Data Science across various sectors. However, for these technologies to have their full positive impact, it is crucial to develop trust among stakeholders and formulate contextualized policies that support their implementation in the region. This grant aims to address these areas by:
" If scientific results are not shared broadly, then the societal benefits are significantly limited. We have a responsibility to ensure that policymakers have access to the best, relevant and up-to-date knowledge available. To achieve Africa’s sustainable development goals, it is critical that policy decisions are informed by contextually relevant evidence”. - Uzma Alam, SPEAR programme lead.