Background Africa experiences great mental illness burden due to highly prevalent impoverished living conditions and a double burden of disease, exacerbated by COVID-19’s socioeconomic decline and systematic inequalities augmentation, rendering mental healthcare inaccessible. Mental health in Africa is under-researched, accounting for 2% of global research, mirroring gaps in mental healthcare with 84% fewer specialized providers than the global average. The WHO reports that only 45% of African States have a mental health policy complying with international human rights. Stereotypes such as witchcraft are attributed to mental illnesses, increasing stigma and discrimination. Currently, no mental health research review guidelines specific to sociocultural and gender aspects exist. High rates of gender and social inequalities in Africa necessitate their inclusion when evaluating research. Ethics committees are strategically positioned to ensure the scientific and ethical rigour of mental health research.

Methods Thirteen tools evaluating mental health research, programmes, policies and sex- and gender-sensitive considerations were systematically reviewed. Data extracted and adapted to the African context yielded a 54-item assessment tool.

Results A 54-item assessment tool, created categorized into Research governance, Background and justification, Methodology and Ethical impact of the research. It will guide the process of mental health research protocol evaluation taking into account ethical, gender, and sociocultural factors in Africa.

Conclusion This will enhance health equity in Africa, bridge gaps in mental health research, prevent discrimination, facilitate the achievement of the 3rd and 5th SDGs, and guarantee the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights 16th Article, entitling humans to the highest attainable mental health state. The tool applies to mental health research protocols review and explores various dimensions such as team competency, cultural congruency of the methodology, perpetual respect for participant dignity, autonomy, and rights, gender and intersectionalities- based sensitivity of data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

Funding: EDCTP funded project - BCA-WA-ETHICS II