As of July 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 42 out of 54 African countries have adopted national digital health strategies, an increase from 36 in 2020. These strategies, often five-year plans, aim to integrate digital technologies into healthcare systems, addressing challenges like disease surveillance and health workforce training.
The WHO Global Observatory for eHealth has tracked this progress, noting that countries like Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa lead in implementation. However, only 20 countries have allocated dedicated budgets for these strategies, according to a 2025 WHO survey.
Common focus areas include electronic health records, telemedicine, and mobile health (mHealth) initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated adoption, but funding gaps and infrastructure deficits remain barriers in nations like Chad and Somalia.
