African governments push digital transformation to modernize healthcare. Computerized patient records (CPRs) emerge as a key tool in this effort. Although adoption remains uneven, countries make steady progress amid growing digital public services.
Consulting firm McKinsey & Company reported in 2023 that digital health tools including teleconsultations, CPRs, and chronic disease apps could reduce African health expenditures by up to 15%. This cost-saving potential, combined with the need to upgrade healthcare, drives government interest in CPRs. These systems now form the backbone of many national e-health strategies.
CPRs centralize and secure medical data. They improve patient follow-up, coordinate care, and reduce medical errors. By replacing paper records, which often cause information loss and delays, CPRs address urgent modernization needs.
Beyond care quality, CPRs supply health authorities with real-time data. This data helps anticipate, monitor, and manage epidemics. It also supports public health policy decisions.
Pilot Projects Underway in Several Countries
Several countries run pilot CPR projects. Côte d’Ivoire’s health facilities with CPRs generated over CFA1.25 billion ($2.2 million) in tracked medical revenue in 2024, according to the Directorate of IT and Digital Health. More than 268 facilities connect to the Hospital Information System (HIS) and CPR.
Senegal, Rwanda, Ghana, and Kenya have launched similar systems. Nigeria currently tests interoperability between CPRs and its national health insurance database.
A Rapidly Growing Global Market
The global electronic medical records market grows rapidly. Market intelligence firm Mordor Intelligence projects it will reach $42.1 billion by 2029, up from $32.8 billion in 2024, with a 5.11% annual growth rate. The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated this trend by highlighting the need for fast, reliable, and secure clinical data access.
Technological advances, political will, and wider accessibility drive this growth—even in low- and middle-income countries.
Persistent Challenges to Overcome
Despite potential, Africa faces major hurdles. Limited internet access, especially in rural areas, remains a top barrier. The International Telecommunication Union reported only 38% of Africans had internet access in 2024. Training healthcare workers in digital skills also lags. Without it, CPR reliability and adoption suffer. Data protection poses another challenge. Only 40 African countries have personal data protection laws, and cybersecurity remains weak. Patient and professional trust depends on securing medical information.
Towards Pan-African Governance of Digital Health
Experts call for pan-African coordination to overcome these challenges. Harmonizing standards, ensuring system interoperability, and setting common data security rules would create a strong foundation for sustainable e-health.
Widespread CPR adoption could transform African healthcare—if governments invest in digital infrastructure, train professionals, and protect data. CPRs must become more than technology tools; they should form the backbone of modern, resilient, and inclusive public health policies.
This article was initially published in French by Samira Njoya
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum
