The Makerere University AI Health Lab is proud to host the AI in Health Africa Conference under the theme "Building a Strong Ecosystem for AI in the African Health System: From Research to Policy and Practice." This conference aims to bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and industry leaders to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in addressing Africa’s critical healthcare challenges.
The event will focus on fostering collaboration, knowledge sharing, and practical solutions that bridge the gap between AI research and its implementation in healthcare. Key subthemes will include social impact, collaboration and partnerships, regulatory frameworks, talent development, ethical considerations, and community engagement. By building a sustainable AI ecosystem, the conference will contribute to improving healthcare outcomes and advancing equitable access to quality care across the African continent.
Discover cutting-edge AI innovations in diagnostics, treatment optimization, and disease prediction.
Learn about AI solutions tackling Africa’s diverse healthcare needs, from maternal health to infectious diseases.
Engage with a multidisciplinary community of innovators shaping AI's future in African healthcare.
Participate in discussions on AI policy, regulation, and ethical considerations.
Develop strategies to nurture AI talent and build a sustainable AI ecosystem across the continent.
Building an ecosystem to support the development of AI-enabled healthcare solutions involves creating a structured environment where various elements—such as people, technology, policies, and resources—work together to enable the development, implementation, and sustainability of AI innovations in healthcare. The discussions will cover the following sub-themes
How AI can improve healthcare access and reduce disparities, especially in underserved areas
The role of multi-sector cooperation in driving AI innovation
Regulatory frameworks and infrastructure support for AI in healthcare.
Strategies to build and sustain AI expertise across Africa.
Addressing data privacy, bias, and accountability in AI applications.
Ensuring AI technologies are accessible and beneficial to diverse populations.
| Time | Session | Speaker(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Opening Session | ||
| 07:30 - 08:30 | Registration | |
| 08:30 - 08:35 | Welcome Remarks: Setting agenda and recognizing Sponsors | Eugene Miheso Swinnerstone (MC) |
| 08:40 - 08:45 | Opening Remarks by Conference Chair | Dr. Rose Nakasi (MAK AI Health Lab Lead) |
| 08:50 - 09:00 | Remarks by Makerere University: Leveraging resources, talent, and research infrastructure to address pressing healthcare challenges | Prof Tonny Oyana (Principal College of Computing and Information Science, Makerere University) |
| 09:05 - 09:15 | Remarks by Makerere University: Training the next generation of AI Health Experts | Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe (Vice Chancellor, Makerere University) |
| 09:20 - 09:35 | Keynote Address: Advancing digital health | Mr. Paul Mbaka (Assistant Commissioner Health Services and Health Information Management Division) |
| 09:40 - 09:55 | Remarks by the Ministry of Health: AI Innovations for health systems | Dr. Ruth Aceng (Minister of Health) |
| 10:00 - 10:15 | Presentation: Ocular, an AI-powered point-of-care tool for the diagnosis of Malaria, TB, and Cervical Cancer | Solomon Nsumba (Technical Lead, Ocular Project and Makerere AI Health Lab) |
| 10:20 - 10:30 | Use Case: AI in Action – Case Studies from Africa’s Healthcare Sector | Dr. Krishnan Anand (University of Free State, South Africa), Prof. Surafel Luleseged Tilahun (University of Addis Ababa) |
| 10:35 - 10:40 | Break and Networking Session | |
| 10:45 - 11:25 | Panel Discussion: Addressing Africa’s Healthcare Needs Through AI | Dr. Alfred Andama (Moderator), Dr. Daudi Jjingo, Dr. Ruth Obaikol, Dr. Ernest Mwebaze, Dr. Davis Musinguzi |
| 11:30 - 11:40 | Use Case: AI in Action - Case Studies from Africa’s healthcare sector | Dr. Agnes Kiragga (APHRC), Dr. Sylvia Gyan (University of Ghana) |
| 11:45 - 12:30 | Panel Discussion: Building a sustainable AI ecosystem in Africa | Richard Malumba (Moderator), Stella Alibateesa, Dr. Fred Kagwa, Prof. Peter Waiswa, Timothy Byekwaso |
| 12:35 - 13:45 | Lunch Break & Networking | |
| 13:50 - 14:05 | Presentation: AI Research and Innovations in Health | Brian Turyabagye (Co-founder and CEO of MamaOpe Medicals) |
| 14:10 - 14:20 | Partner Remarks: Perspective from Government: Attracting Institutional Support to Scale Innovations | Dr. Aminah Zawedde (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT and National Guidance) |
| 14:20 - 14:30 | Guest of Honor Remarks | Chris Baryomunsi (Minister of ICT and National Guidance) |
| 14:35 - 15:25 | Workshop: Ethical AI in Healthcare – Navigating Data Privacy, Bias, and Accountability | Sylvia Nabukenya, Dr. Tonny Okecha, Martin Karungi, Chagara Emma, Solomon Muhumuza |
| 15:30 - 15:45 | Coffee Break | |
| 15:50 - 16:05 | Presentation: Ethical AI in Healthcare – Navigating Data Privacy, Bias, and Accountability | Caitilin Kraft-Buchman (CEO/Founder of Women at the Table, and Co-Founder of the Alliance for Inclusive Algorithms) |
| 16:15 - 16:25 | Presentation: Developing AI Talent and Expertise Across Africa | Professor Engineer Bainomugisha (Head of Computer Science) |
| 16:30 - 16:45 | Brainstorming Session | Linda Nsababera (Project Manager Ocular) |
| 16:50 - 17:00 | Keynote: The Future of AI in Health | Dr. Tiffani Lash (National Institutes of Health) |
| 17:05 - 17:10 | Closing Remarks | Dr. Rose Nakasi (Conference Chair) |
We invite you to join us at this important conference and be part of the discussions that will shape AI’s role in healthcare across the continent.
To register and learn more about the event, please visit our
We look forward to your participation in this groundbreaking event. Together, we can bring AI-powered health innovations to the forefront of African healthcare.