INTRODUCTION:
A resilient and sovereign African health system depends on a skilled health research workforce. Yet, despite youth comprising over 65% of Africa’s population, their participation in health research remains limited. This study assesses research capacity and investment priorities among African health students to inform human resources for health (HRH) strategies.

METHODS:
We conducted a cross-sectional online survey between October 5–11, 2025, among healthcare students and early-career professionals across Africa (n=550). Data captured research experience, prior training, self-rated research competencies (Likert scale 1–5), training preferences, and perceived barriers. Descriptive statistics summarized quantitative data, while qualitative responses were thematically analyzed.

RESULTS:
Most respondents were medical (51.1%) or laboratory science students (29.5%). Over half (51.5%) had never participated in research, and only 15.1% had led a study. Writing and publishing research emerged as the weakest competency (mean 2.83). High demand was reported for training in research design, data analysis, scientific writing, and grant writing. Qualitative findings consistently highlighted lack of mentorship, funding, access, and hands-on opportunities as major constraints to research engagement.

CONCLUSIONS:
Africa’s future health research workforce is constrained not by lack of interest, but by structural capacity gaps. Integrating research training, mentorship, and micro-financing into HRH development strategies is critical to future-proof Africa’s health systems and strengthen evidence-driven health governance.