In this paper, we draw on literature and experience, both from the parliamentary strengthening sector and the evidence-informed policy sector, to explore information support systems in African parliaments and the factors that shape their work. There is an enormous diversity of parliamentary models across the African continent and our limited scope does not permit a full investigation into each of these. Our aim is not to generalize but to share some emerging impressions that we believe merit further exploration in each of the continent’s varied political, linguistic and economic contexts.