HyFrame‐AI: A Conceptual Readiness Framework for Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Sub‐Saharan African Healthcare

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare is rapidly evolving, offering immense potential to transform service delivery, diagnostics, and health systems governance. However, Sub‐Saharan Africa faces significant readiness challenges due to limited infrastructure, capacity gaps, and fragmented digital strategies. This paper proposes a comprehensive AI readiness hybrid framework, HyFrame‐AI, tailored to the region's unique healthcare landscape by aligning the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) health system dimensions. The proposed conceptual framework serves as a diagnostic and planning tool to assess current AI implementation capacity and to guide policymakers, healthcare leaders, and researchers toward responsible and sustainable integration. Drawing on insights from the literature, the paper identifies key enablers, persistent challenges, and the forms of support necessary to foster AI adoption in ways that strengthen health systems and reduce inequities. The framework ultimately offers a roadmap for stakeholders to evaluate their current level of AI readiness, plan for responsible, sustainable advancement, and achieve strategic digital health transformation in Sub‐Saharan Africa.