Unlocking the African bioeconomy and strengthening biodiversity conservation through genomics and bioinformatics

Abstract

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 organizing 31 workshops that attracted more than 3500 registered attendees across 50 African countries, provided training to 401 African researchers in genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, sample collections and biobanking, and ethical considerations, across all five African geographical regions involving 40 African and non-African organizations. These workshops provide insights on applications of biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics to the African bioeconomy, as well as hands-on training in sample collection and processing, genomics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and gene editing. 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 organized 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. Key recommendations include integrating biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics into national bioeconomy strategies, leveraging genomics for sustainable bioeconomy growth, and expanding capacity-building initiatives across Africa.

Fig. 1. The proposed 1000 Moroccan genome project will create a positive economic impact and demonstrate an increased cost–benefit ratio.

The predicted economic impact and cost–benefit analysis of the genomes project illustrate the projected economic benefits, long-term impacts, and cost–benefit analysis outcomes of the proposed 1000 Moroccan genomes project. A Economic Impact by Sector: shows the distribution of economic impacts across key sectors, including agriculture, fishing, research and development (R&D), education, and other sectors. The largest impacts are observed in agriculture and R&D, respectively, reflecting their central role in generating economic benefits from genome sequencing. The average agricultural contribution is 53% (the total economic impact attributed to agriculture was US$13 million, while the combined impact of all sectors amounted to ~US$24,340,000 million). The average R&D contribution is 40% (the total economic impact for R&D was $10 million, while the same overall economic impact of US$24,340,000 million). B Long-term Economic Impact Projections: illustrate the cumulative economic benefits over a 5-, 10-, and 20-year period. Sectors such as agriculture, R&D, and downstream industries exhibit significant growth, with total impacts surpassing $78 million after 20 years. This underscores the long-term sustainability of the genome sequencing investment. C Cost–benefit Analysis (10-year Projection): displays the results of the 10-year cost-benefit analysis. It highlights key metrics, including Total Cost, Discounted Cost, Total Benefit, Discounted Benefit, and net present value (NPV). The analysis reveals a Benefit–Cost ratio (BCR) of 3.29, indicating that every dollar invested generates US$3.29 in benefits, affirming the economic viability of the project.