Establishing African genomics and bioinformatics programs through annual regional workshops

Abstract

The African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP) Open Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics aims to overcome barriers to capacity building through its distributed African regional workshops and prioritises the exchange of grassroot knowledge and innovation in biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics. In 2023, we implemented 28 workshops on biodiversity genomics and bioinformatics, covering 11 African countries across 5 African geographical regions. These regional workshops trained 408 African scientists in hands-on molecular biology, genomics and bioinformatics techniques as well as the ethical, legal, and social issues associated with acquiring genetic resources. Here, we discuss the implementation of transformative strategies, such as expanding the regional workshop model of the AfricaBP to involve multiple countries, institutions and partners, including the proposed creation of an African digital database with sequence information relating to both biodiversity and agriculture. This will ultimately help to create a critical mass of skilled genomics and bioinformatics scientists across Africa.

Keywords: Genomics, Bioinformatics, Workshops, Trainings, Sequencing, Africa, Policy, Biodiversity, And Agriculture.