The African Union Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) has called on Nigeria and other African member states to create an enabling environment for innovative technologies that can significantly benefit the continent.
Prof. Olalekan Akinbo, Technical Lead of the Genome Editing Initiative at the AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation, made this call on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to Akinbo, genome editing—particularly through revolutionary innovations like CRISPR-Cas9—holds tremendous promise for tackling agricultural challenges across Africa. Genome editing is a technique that allows scientists to make precise modifications to the DNA of a cell or organism. CRISPR-Cas9, a widely used gene-editing tool, enables researchers to accurately alter DNA sequences in living organisms.
He explained that genome editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 are especially effective in targeting critical traits such as disease resistance, grain quality, and longer shelf life—areas where conventional breeding methods often fall short.
Speaking on the importance of building the capacity of African scientists to drive and adopt genome editing in agriculture, Akinbo noted that African leaders have consistently emphasized the critical importance of food and nutritional security. He described it as a processing issue requiring dedicated efforts from stakeholders across the continent.
Despite global advancements in crop and animal improvement methodologies, Africa—particularly sub-Saharan Africa—continues to lag in achieving significant outcomes. “This has jeopardised milestones such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063,” Akinbo warned.
He attributed the slow progress to insufficient investment in research and development, which in many African countries is less than one percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This lack of funding, he said, has resulted in inadequate research infrastructure, poorly trained personnel, and weak frameworks for training, funding, and collaboration at both national and continental levels.
To reverse the trend, Akinbo stressed the need for initiatives aimed at empowering local researchers—especially young scientists—with ongoing training and access to the resources required to establish and sustain genome editing programmes in Africa.
He highlighted the African Plant Breeding Academy (AFPBA) as a key initiative in this regard. The academy provides comprehensive training in genome editing techniques across various crops including finger millet, rice, sorghum, soybean, ginger, tomato, and maize.
Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, the AFPBA focuses on enhancing critical traits such as disease resistance and nutritional value. Akinbo explained that the programme blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical applications, while also educating trainees on regulatory frameworks, intellectual property rights, and commercialisation pathways.
He concluded by emphasizing that sustained support for such initiatives is essential if Africa is to bridge the innovation gap and meet its long-term development goals.
