Unlocking African bioeconomy through biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics
Authors: Hayah Ichrak , Ezebuiro Victor , Kagame Samuel Paul , Kuja Josiah O. , Waruhiu Cecilia , Nesengani Lucky Tendani , Mdyogolo Sinebongo , Molotsi Annelin , Abechi Priscilla , Abushady Asmaa M. , Amor Nabil , Andika Brian , Barakat Abdelhamid , Beedessee Girish , Botes Marietjie W , David Xavier , Ebuzoeme Nzube , Edea Zewdu , El Allali Achraf , Elekima Owanate Pearl , Elsherif Assem K , Gaouar Semir Bechir Suheil , Gebre Yohannes Gedamu , Georgewill Owunari Abraham , Hadjeras Lydia , Hassan Mohammed Ahmed , Hijri Mohamed , Houaga Isidore , Ideozu Justin E. , Igoh Matthias , Iwundu Mary Paschal , Ali Syed Arif Sulthan Jaffer , Jaouani Atef , Serradj Ahmed Marwane Kermouni , Khedim Radjaa , Kilian Mariëtte , Kivuva Dennis Manthi , Knidiri Mehdi , Koukoura Komi Komi , Kwasi Eleojo Roseline , Labuschagne Kim , Mafwila Antoine Lusala , Mensah Isabel , Modebelu Uzoma , Mokgokong Prudent , Mokhtar Morad M , Muzemil Sadik , Negussie Helen , Ntui Valentine Otang , Ogwang Joel , Olivier Nicholas Abraham , Olufowobi Olanrewaju , Omotoriogun Taiwo Crossby , Folarin Onikepe , Orina Jeremiah , Parish Tracy , Peter Mercy , Potgieter Jacques , Radouani Fouzia , Ramantswana Madeleine , Reda Shaimaa R , Salifu Samson Pandam , Schwartz Sarah Bingaman , Shabangu Ntji , Sharaf Abdoallah , Siminialayi Iyeopu Minakiri , Smith Rae Marvin , Taniguchi Hiroaki , Tari-Ukuta Preye Maureen , Tesfaye Kassahun , Tmimi Fatimzohra , Tonfack Libert Brice , Udensi Ogbuagu Ugorji , Wambua Victoria Wavinya , Wambua Sammy , Were Kennedy , Wood Timipanipiri ThankGod , Wurdeman Bret Mark , Zoclanclounon Yedomon Ange Bovys , Adu Andrews , Gillis-Harry Sotonye Leslie , Opoku Nicholas Kwasi-Do Ohene , Tshilate Thendo Stanley , Dede Siyeofori , Minimah Soala Obie , Tchiechoua Yves H. , Gisel Andreas , Hamdi Chadlia , Mafokwane Tshepo , Odogwu Blessing A. , Nwachukwu Gift , Mungloo-Dilmohamud Zahra , Ghodhbane-Gtari Faten , Ibeachu Chinagorom , Zipfel Renate Dorothea , Madu Wenceslaus C. , Okorocha Johnpaul Chukwudi , Masebe Tracy , Borgbara Kilsi , van Zyl Kristien Nel , Goosen Wynand , Fortuin Suereta , Happi Anise , Happi Christian , Mapholi Ntanganedzeni , Osuji Julian O. , Muigai Anne WT , Ebenezer ThankGod E. , Badaoui Bouabid 
Published: January 2025

The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) is a Pan-African initiative aimed at improving food systems and biodiversity conservation through genomics while ensuring equitable data sharing and benefits. The Open Institute is the knowledge exchange platform of the AfricaBP which aims to bridge local knowledge gaps in biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics and enable infrastructural developments. In 2024, the AfricaBP Open Institute advanced this mission by organising 31 workshops that attracted more than 3500 registered attendees and trained 380 African researchers in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, sample collections and biobanking, and ethics, across all five African geographical regions involving 40 African and non-African organizations. These workshops provide current understanding on the applications of biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics to the African bioeconomy as well as providing practical and hands-on training in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, gene editing, and sample collection and processing. Here, we provide the current understanding of the applications of biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics to the African bioeconomy through synthetic reviews and presentations, including descriptions of 31 workshops organised as well as three fellowship programs delivered or launched by the AfricaBP Open Institute in collaboration with African and international institutions and industry partners. We review the current national bioeconomy strategies across Africa and the economic impact of sequencing African genomes locally, illustrated by a case study on the proposed 1000 Moroccan Genome Project. Finally, we provide recommendations on how African countries could integrate biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics into national economic plans and bioeconomy strategies.