The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), in partnership with the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) and with support from the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, hosted a bilateral meeting themed “Harnessing African genetic diversity as a global resource for public health” On Wednesday, 7 October 2026 at the CSIR International Convention Centre in Pretoria.
The meeting sought to secure the support of the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, in advancing the regulatory frameworks and policy measures required to enable and sustain African-owned genomics initiatives across the continent, thereby creating an environment that supports African-led genomic research, innovation and capacity development.
CSIR Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Thulani Dlamini, said, “Africa's genetic diversity presents enormous scientific opportunities. But our ambition must extend beyond generating knowledge and data. It must be about Africa's ability to build, own and sustain the capabilities required to translate that knowledge into better health outcomes, new technologies and economic opportunities for its people.”
In his keynote address, the Minister called for a model in which Africa is more than a source of data and a full partner in setting research agendas, generating knowledge and developing technologies. He highlighted the importance of strengthening Africa’s scientific sovereignty through investment in expertise, research infrastructure, computing capacity, biobanks, ethical frameworks and regulatory systems. This capacity is essential for Africa to set its own priorities, retain expertise, govern its data and resources and engage international partners from a position of strength.
The CSIR’s African Cell Initiative (ACI) and African Clinical Multiome Atlas Platform (Clin-MAP) contribute to this ambition. ACI addresses the underrepresentation of African genetic diversity in preclinical research by developing stem cell resources derived from populations across the continent. Clin-MAP integrates genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and microbiomics with digital technologies to support research into health priorities relevant to African populations.
“International collaboration will remain essential. But how we structure those partnerships matters. Our goal should be partnerships based on equitable co-development and benefit-sharing, partnerships that strengthen African institutions, develop African expertise, build sustainable capability on the continent and enable Africa to participate meaningfully across the research and innovation value chain. The CSIR looks forward to working with ICGEB and all the partners represented here to advance this important agenda,” said Dr Dlamini.
As Africa works towards strengthening its scientific sovereignty and biotechnology capabilities, initiatives such as these help build the research infrastructure, specialised expertise and collaborative networks needed to translate scientific discoveries into innovative technologies, improved health outcomes and economic opportunities.
Read more about how the CSIR is embedding African genetics into the global drug development.
Published 21 October 2026