Short Abstract

The panel explores how emerging healthcare technologies in Africa challenge existing legal, ethical and human rights frameworks. It examines AI, digital health, data protection, informed consent and accountability, while considering rights-based approaches to responsible healthcare innovation

Long Abstract

The rapid transformation of healthcare through artificial intelligence, telemedicine, digital health platforms, genomic technologies, robotics and other emerging technologies presents significant opportunities for improving healthcare delivery across Africa. At the same time, these developments raise complex questions concerning human rights, medical ethics, data protection, professional responsibility and legal accountability. This panel examines how African legal systems can respond to the opportunities and risks associated with technological transformation in healthcare while ensuring that innovation remains consistent with the principles of dignity, autonomy, equality, privacy and equitable access to healthcare.

The Panel invites papers on the regulation of artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making in clinical practice, the protection of health and genetic data, informed consent in technologically mediated healthcare, cybersecurity, digital inequalities and the allocation of responsibility when technological systems contribute to medical harm. The panel will examine the (in)adequacy of existing legal and regulatory frameworks in addressing emerging forms of healthcare delivery and technological risk, and how African states can develop responsive, rights-based approaches to healthcare innovation.

By bringing together perspectives from law, medicine, ethics, technology and human rights, the panel seeks to interrogate the future of healthcare governance in Africa. It will explore pathways towards legal frameworks that encourage responsible innovation while protecting patients and healthcare professionals. Ultimately, the discussions on the Panel will contribute to a broader understanding of how law can facilitate and regulate technological advancement without compromising human dignity, equity and accountability in African healthcare delivery systems.

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