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African Genomics Vision: Science, Ethics & Youth Driving Health Revolution
African Genomics Vision: Science, Ethics & Youth Driving Health Revolution
Sputnik Africa
Africa holds the world’s richest human genetic diversity, yet its DNA remains underrepresented in global research. Three leading voices in African genomics say... 06.02.2026, Sputnik Africa
2026-02-06T16:05+0100
2026-02-06T16:05+0100
2026-02-06T16:05+0100
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African Genomics Vision: Science, Ethics & Youth Driving Health Revolution
Sputnik Africa
Africa holds the world’s richest human genetic diversity, yet its DNA remains underrepresented in global research. Three leading voices in African genomics say the continent now has a historic chance to turn that diversity into better medicine, stronger institutions, and a more ethical, people-centered scientific future.
From laboratory science to ethics and youth innovation, African experts are calling for a new genomics ecosystem built on local capacity, fair data governance, and community trust. Their perspectives highlight both the promise of precision medicine and the need for African-led research that translates discoveries into real benefits for patients and societies.Featured speakers:Collet Dandara, Professor of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, South Africa, explained how Africa’s deep genetic diversity directly affects how patients respond to drugs and treatments. He noted that many medicines are developed using non-African data, leading to ineffective or even harmful outcomes. He argued that genomics can shift healthcare from trial-and-error medicine toward precision treatment, early disease detection, and prevention tailored to African populations.Dr. Gladys Zugwai Ibrahim, a medical doctor, genomic medicine researcher, and founder of the Consortium of Genomics Students and Young Researchers in Africa, highlighted Africa’s genetic diversity as a powerful scientific resource and stressed the need for investment across the entire research pipeline, from study design to sequencing and data analysis. She emphasized youth engagement, local sequencing capacity, and strong research networks as key to building a self-sustaining, Africa-led genomics ecosystem.Dr. Herimampita Rarivomanantsoa, UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar, focused on the ethical foundations of African genomics, arguing that genetic data are deeply tied to identity, families, and communities. He called for transparent partnerships, strong local oversight, fair benefit sharing, and data governance systems that protect dignity while enabling scientific progress, ensuring genomics serves social justice and public trust.To listen to the whole episode, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, Overcast, and Mave Stream.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole.
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African Genomics Vision: Science, Ethics & Youth Driving Health Revolution
Aliyu Bello
Correspondent, Podcast Host
Africa holds the world’s richest human genetic diversity, yet its DNA remains underrepresented in global research. Three leading voices in African genomics say the continent now has a historic chance to turn that diversity into better medicine, stronger institutions, and a more ethical, people-centered scientific future.
From laboratory science to ethics and youth innovation, African experts are calling for a new genomics ecosystem built on local capacity, fair data governance, and community trust. Their perspectives highlight both the promise of precision medicine and the need for African-led research that translates discoveries into real benefits for patients and societies.
Collet Dandara, Professor of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, South Africa, explained how Africa’s deep genetic diversity directly affects how patients respond to drugs and treatments. He noted that many medicines are developed using non-African data, leading to ineffective or even harmful outcomes. He argued that genomics can shift healthcare from trial-and-error medicine toward precision treatment, early disease detection, and prevention tailored to African populations.
Dr. Gladys Zugwai Ibrahim, a medical doctor, genomic medicine researcher, and founder of the Consortium of Genomics Students and Young Researchers in Africa, highlighted Africa’s genetic diversity as a powerful scientific resource and stressed the need for investment across the entire research pipeline, from study design to sequencing and data analysis. She emphasized youth engagement, local sequencing capacity, and strong research networks as key to building a self-sustaining, Africa-led genomics ecosystem.
Dr. Herimampita Rarivomanantsoa, UNESCO Chair in Bioethics, University of Antananarivo, Madagascar, focused on the ethical foundations of African genomics, arguing that genetic data are deeply tied to identity, families, and communities. He called for transparent partnerships, strong local oversight, fair benefit sharing, and data governance systems that protect dignity while enabling scientific progress, ensuring genomics serves social justice and public trust.
To listen to the whole episode, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole. 
