In recent years, the African Bio Genome Project (Africa BP) has taken the initiative of sequencing the genomes of diverse plant, animal, and microbial species across the African continent.
Through the integration of cutting-edge genomic technologies, the project aspires to foster a new era of biological research and innovation, positioning Africa at the forefront of global scientific advancements.
To further support and boost this initiative, Africa BP organized a five-day workshop at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) to establish and connect scientists and institutions that are role players in the Africa BP project.
Running under the theme “Sustainable Pathways for Biodiversity Conservation and Bio-economy: Integration for Growth in Eastern and Central Africa,” the workshop seeks to create awareness and mobilize institutions and researchers at the regional level to drive the vision and objectives of the project, focusing on current understanding of biodiversity genomics across East and Central Africa.
Emphasizing the importance of the conference in galvanizing the African continent, Chair of Africa BP, Prof. Anne Muigai, said, the project aims to sequence at least 100,000 endemic species in Africa and is committed to building the requisite human resources essential for safeguarding genomic data.
“We need genomic data to breed better plants which will safeguard our future. By sequencing our plant and animal species, we will be better placed to catalog and preserve the genetic information of our vast biological resources,” said Prof. Muigai.
Speaking during the official opening of the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Ngumi, lauded the efforts of the Africa BP project geared towards driving scientific collaborations and partnerships, enhancing human and institutional capacities to drive scientific innovation and biodiversity conservation in Africa.
“The Africa BP’s mission is built on a strong commitment to developing digital innovations that foster a sustainable agri-environment and conservation network, uniting interdisciplinary participants across the continent,” said Prof. Ngumi in a speech read on her behalf by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production, and Extension(RPE), Prof. Jackson Kwanza.
The Vice Chancellor stated that the project had taken a progressive step towards developing optimal DNA sampling protocols tailored for agricultural and biodiversity systems, ensuring the highest standards in research methodologies are attained.
“As JKUAT, we are committed to support efforts to explore and exploit the applicability of machine learning algorithms to enhance and advance genomic studies,” stated Prof. Ngumi.
Mr. Victor Omondi from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan Botanical Gardens, said the conference provided him with essential information and skills which he hopes to use to further his studies.
“This conference will boost the African continent in supporting initiative in sequencing genomic data in efforts to empower African scientists and policymakers,” said Mr. Omondi.
Genomic sequencing is emerging as an essential approach for detecting alterations in specific sections of the genome. These changes may help scientists understand how certain illnesses behave, their genetic makeup, and other factors, allowing them to develop therapies and discover answers to problems plaguing human and plant ecosystems.
In the African context, genomic data is still not widely accessible due to the unavailability of equipment, which is expensive and not easily accessible to researchers in the developing world.
The workshop participants will undergo a two-day hybrid style symposium and three days of practical, hands-on in-person sessions focusing on sample collections, stakeholders, and policy-related engagements.
