UCT's role in the African BioGenome Project: a step towards biodiversity conservation

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is stepping into a critical role in the African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP), a Pan-African initiative designed to combat biodiversity loss across the continent. This ambitious project is strategically aligned with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), leveraging advanced genomic and bioinformatics capabilities to sustain Africa’s rich ecological heritage while ensuring equitable benefit sharing of genetic resources.

AfricaBP stands at the intersection of scientific prowess and ethical governance, emphasising the need for coordinated legal frameworks and robust Digital Sequence Information (DSI) infrastructures. This dual focus is essential to guarantee that genomic research not only contributes to conservation outcomes but also safeguards the interests of African communities and their natural assets.

A recent publication in Nature Reviews Biodiversity, entitled "Expanding African biodiversity genomics to meet global biodiversity goals," delves into the nuances of implementing the KMGBF across Africa. Co-authored by UCT Postdoctoral Fellow Dr Hawwa Gabier, the paper reveals the intersection of challenges and opportunities inherent in advancing genomic initiatives continent-wide.

 “By integrating robust biodiversity data infrastructure with participatory engagement, ELSI-informed governance, and collaborative partnerships, AfricaBP is advancing a model where knowledge generation, equitable benefit sharing, and conservation outcomes reinforce one another,” Dr Gabier said.

Five pillars of change

The publication outlines a theory of change centred on five key opportunity areas, providing strategic recommendations and addressing potential hurdles:

• Legal and ethical frameworks: Addressing the shortcomings of comprehensive legal structures across Africa
• Genomics and DSI infrastructures: Tackling the imbalance in the utilisation and storage of DSI data within Africa
• Inclusivity and gender imbalance: Acknowledging the under-representation of female researchers in the DSI field
• Conflicting priorities: Reconciling biodiversity conservation, poverty alleviation, and sustainable development goals
• Transparency and accountability: Enhancing planning and reporting mechanisms for effective implementation of the KMGBF

Professor Bouabid Badaoui, Chairperson of AfricaBP and a professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, underscored the project's vision for an Africa-driven genomics future. He stated, “AfricaBP is building an Africa-led genomics future where data sovereignty and ethical governance are non-negotiable. This will ensure that KMGBF goals translate into measurable conservation outcomes, with benefits returning fairly to African nations and communities.”

Leading by example

Despite the numerous challenges, AfricaBP showcases successful initiatives underway both in Africa and globally. South Africa’s Biodiversity Passport emerges as a vital tool for fostering transparency and monitoring access to genetic resources, while the Global Alliance for Genomics and Health (GA4GH) promotes standards for genomic health data integrity. Additionally, the African Union's Strategy for Gender, Equality and Women’s Empowerment actively addresses gender disparity in scientific research.

Some African nations are already advocating for in-country capacity to generate and utilise genetic resources, streamlining access and alleviating bureaucratic constraints. These efforts pave the way for strengthening African-led genomic research and ensuring equitable sharing of its benefits.

Dr ThankGod Echezona Ebenezer, Founder and Co-Chair of AfricaBP, emphasised the significance of aligning data sharing with benefit sharing.

“Sustainable biodiversity conservation through innovative scientific approaches depends on the availability of relevant data. Our goal is not only to foster biodiversity genomic innovations across Africa but also to ensure that their benefits are distributed fairly and sustainably.”

A collaborative future

AfricaBP adopts its theory of change to drive initiatives that bolster biodiversity data infrastructure, increase awareness about benefit sharing, and enhance stakeholder engagement through community consultations and roundtable discussions across the continent. Astrid Schomaker, Executive Secretary of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), noted Africa's leadership in advancing Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) and innovation on DSI, which are vital for achieving fair and equitable distribution of resources.

As AfricaBP moves forward, it is inviting African organisations and international partners to join in the execution of its roadmap. A significant milestone will be the inaugural African Congress on Digital Sequence Information (DSI), Infrastructure, and Policy, which is set to convene quarterly across all five African regions starting in West Africa in May 2026.

Through initiatives like the Africa BioGenome Project, UCT demonstrates its commitment to fostering African-led scientific advancements that harmonise innovation with ethical stewardship and widespread societal impact. This collaboration underscores a growing recognition that scientific progress and responsible biodiversity management can coexist, ensuring that both ecosystems and human communities reap the benefits.

Weekend Argus