Navigating the human gene editing scene and proposing a new governance framework in Africa: from knowledge to policy to action

Gene editing holds both hope and despair, necessitating vigilant, ethicolegal oversight to harness its advancement and avoid unintended effects like off-target effects and mosaicism. Despite efforts, governance fragmentation persists regionally and globally. Africa needs a phased, harmonized, continental governance framework for gene editing that combines regional oversight, national implementation, accountability, data governance, genomic sovereignty, and public participation. Policy harmonization is close to accomplishment, but obstacles persist. This paper proposes a practical continent-wide model anchored on African conformity, national legislative capacities, communal engagement, and data sharing. It presents an operational plan encompassing grassroots, nation-state, and regional regulatory bodies, centralized on a new pan-African agency for optimal oversight and governance. The model incorporates bioethical principlism and Ubuntu philosophy, forming the foundations of accountable and safe gene editing research and practice. Trespassing these foundations is a severe, inter-generational, and irresponsible act. This policy review critically analyzes the literature and evidence around gene editing, examining uncertainties, dilemmas, biases, and gaps in concepts. It presents an interpretation of the analysis in a narrative discourse with policy recommendations and governance reforms. The authors relied on empirical evidence and normative arguments. Gene editing is a multifaceted issue, yet a recourse for many patients with devastating diseases. Global progress has been hindered by procedural and operational defects and the controversy of enhancement versus therapy. Declarations, guidelines, and conventions should be prioritized to achieve universal benefits. A diligent consideration of collective risks is crucial to designing effective and inclusive policies. A multi-level approach is imperative for maintaining momentum and pace in technology development and localization.