Made In Africa Artificial Intelligence Approaches In Monitoring, Evaluation, Research And Learning: A Practitioner Perspective And Landscape Study

The MERL Tech Initiative is published “Made In Africa Artificial Intelligence Approaches In Monitoring, Evaluation, Research And Learning: A Practitioner Perspective And Landscape Study”, authored by core collaborator and Africa + AI Working Group Lead, Varaidzo Faith Magodo-Matimba.

About the study

Based on a qualitative research design, the study engaged 23 participants from across Africa and the global MERL ecosystem, including evaluators, AI experts, civil-society leaders, and policymakers. Data were collected through key informant interviews, literature review, and practitioner consultations.

The study focuses on six questions:

1. What knowledge and capacity gaps exist among African MERL practitioners regarding AI and data use?
2. How can these gaps be filled through training, collaboration, or infrastructure?
3. What does a “Made in Africa” AI approach mean in practice?
4. How can AI enhance evidence-informed policymaking?
5. How well do current AI tools serve African contexts?
6. How can partnerships sustain an African-led AI and evaluation movement?

“Made In Africa Artificial Intelligence Approaches In Monitoring, Evaluation, Research And Learning: A Practitioner Perspective And Landscape Study” is available for download right now and we welcome your thoughts and feedback.