"Africa only generates about 20% of global genomic data. The raw biological wealth is here; the sequencing, analysis, publications, patents, the commercial products—those largely happen elsewhere. That is the core sovereignty deficit. Africa provides the material, and the world captures the value. [...] If you think about CRISPR-based gene therapies for sickle cell disease [...] These therapies were developed using genomic research to which African populations were central. They're priced at more than $2.2 million, but Africans have zero access. That is what the biological sovereignty deficit looks like. African biology, foreign profits. African patients are unable to benefit from discoveries made from their own genetic heritage. And I want to acknowledge that there are some countries that are beginning to assert themselves because it really matters. In Nigeria, there's the 100,000 Genome Project. South Africa has 110,000 human genomes initiatives. [...] These are serious scientific investments in building African-controlled genomic data infrastructure, and they represent a genuine shift in ambition," Dr. Sylvester stressed.