Unlocking African bioeconomy through biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics

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.