On August 6th, the Aga Khan University in Nairobi hosted DataFest Africa 2026. Framed as a community baraza under the theme Kujenga Na Data | Building with Data, the gathering brought together researchers, technology innovators, policymakers, and industry experts to address critical questions surrounding ethical innovation, local context, and community-centered data systems.
As a proud sponsor of DataFest Africa 2026, MEDITECH took a leading role in these vital discussions. Tshepo Mokoena, MEDITECH South Africa's Client Liaison Manager for East Africa, participated in a high-profile panel alongside notable industry leaders. Among them was Farhana Alarakhiya, Chief Data Innovation Officer at The Aga Khan University and recipient of the 2026 HIMSS Changemaker in Health Award. The panel explored actionable approaches to utilising real-time health data to drive intelligent care models, optimise operations, and establish resilient healthcare systems throughout Africa.
After the panel session, Tshepo delivered an insightful presentation titled "Before the Algorithm", emphasising that healthcare AI fails at the underlying data layer long before an algorithm ever executes. To avoid the generating erroneous outputs, or "confidently delivered garbage", health systems must prioritise clean, connected data, alongside three essential foundations: rigorous data quality, locally curated African context, and tools that earn clinical trust. Rather than being burdened by legacy infrastructure, African health systems have a unique opportunity to build connected systems from the ground up by co-designing technology directly alongside frontline clinicians, nurses, and community health workers.
Through sponsorships and participation in forums like DataFest Africa, MEDITECH remains dedicated to supporting localised, high-quality digital health transformation across East Africa and beyond.
Check out highlights from last year's gathering at Aga Khan University, DataFest Africa 2025 Nairobi Event: Reclaiming Our Data Futures, to explore how the festival continues to unite innovators across the region.