We are excited to share our new publication in The Lancet Regional Health – Africa titled “Artificial intelligence anchored in African intelligence: toward equitable mental health systems in Africa.”
The article examines how artificial intelligence can help address Africa’s wide mental health treatment gap—where over 80% of people with common mental disorders receive no care—but only if AI is designed, governed, and deployed with African realities at its core.
Rather than importing tools built for high-income settings, the paper argues for AI systems grounded in African intelligence: local languages, cultural expressions of distress, lived experiences, empathy, and community knowledge. When these are ignored, digital mental health tools risk misunderstanding symptoms, reinforcing stigma, and worsening inequality.
Drawing on evidence, policy reviews, and lived experience engagement, the article highlights gaps in AI governance across African countries and proposes five priorities for equitable AI in mental health. These include locally owned data, ethical regulation, interdisciplinary training, strong infrastructure, and co-design with people with lived experience.
The publication also points to emerging African-led innovations—such as culturally adapted screening tools and indigenous language AI—as proof that when Africans lead design and governance, AI becomes more inclusive, trusted, and effective.
Ultimately, the article calls for AI that supports mental health workers, strengthens health systems, and closes not just the treatment gap, but the humanity gap in global mental health.
📖 Read the full article in The Lancet
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanafr/article/PIIS3050-5011(25)00006-9/fulltext/