Background:Health challenges and health systems set-ups differ, warranting contextualised healthcare interventionsto move towards universal health coverage. As such, there is emphasis on generation of contextualized evidence tosolve local challenges. However, weak research capacity and inadequate resources remain an impendiment to qualityresearch in the African region. WHO African Region (WHO AFR) facilitated the adoption of a regional strategy forstrengthening national health research systems (NHRS) in 2015. We assessed the progress in strengthening NHRSamong the 47 member states of the WHO AFR.Methods:We employed a cross sectional survey design using a semi structured questionnaire. All the 47member statesof WHO AFR were surveyed. We assessed performance against indicators of the regional research strategy,explored facilitating factors and barriers to strengthening NHRS. Using the research barometer, which is ametric developed for the WHO AFR we assessed the strength of NHRS of member states. Data were analysedin Excel Software to calculate barometer scores for NHRS function and sub-function. Thematic content wasemployed in analysing the qualitative data. Data for 2014 were compared to 2018 to assess progress.Results:WHO AFR member states have made significant progress in strengthening their NHRS. Some of theindicators have either attained or exceeded the 2025 targets. The average regional barometer score improvedfrom 43% in 2014 to 61% in 2018. Significant improvements were registered in the governance of researchfor health (R4H); developing and sustaining research resources and producing and using research. FinancingR4H improved only modestly. Among the constraints are the lengthy ethical clearance processes, weak researchcoordination mechanisms, weak enforcement of research laws and regulation, inadequate research infrastructure, limitedresource mobilisation skills and donor dependence.Conclusion:TherehasbeensignificantimprovementintheNHRSofmemberstatesoftheWHOAFROsincethelastassessment in 2014. Improvement across the different objectives of the regional research strategy is however varied whichcompromises overall performance. The survey highlighted the areas with slow improvement that require a concertedeffort. Furthermore, the study provides an opportunity for countries to share best practice in areas of excellence