Genome Editing in Africa
GEd Readiness
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Ethiopia
Medium Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1968)-(Ratified-1968)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1994)-(Ratified-1994)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2012)-(Ratified-2012)
Priority Organisms
Teff, Sorghum, Maize, Potato, Ensete, Ethiopian mustard, Coffee
Trends
Genome editing in Ethiopia is moving from policy design to early implementation. The journey has progressed through distinct milestones: the 2015 amendment to the Biosafety Proclamation, which positioned the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) as the lead implementing body; and national capacity-building efforts in 2022 that introduced and discussed a draft guideline tailored to genome-edited products. Momentum increased in 2023–2024 with the acceleration of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) collaborations, supported by external regulatory experiences that clarified non-transgenic pathways and informed Ethiopia's domestic approach. In 2025, Ethiopia officially published its Guideline on the Regulation of Genome-Edited Products, which is now being applied to dossier scoping and to preparing the ground for the country's first confined field trials of gene-edited crops.
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Egypt
Advanced Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1972)-(Ratified-1972)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1994)-(Ratified-1994)
- CBD: (Signed-1995)-(Ratified-1996)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2011)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2012)-(Ratified-2013)
Priority Organisms
Wheat, Sorghum, Maize, Rice, Barley, Chickpea, Faba bean, Lentils, Potato, Petunia, Strawberry, Banana, Date palm
Trends
Recent developments in GEd enable new food products to reach the market quickly and at affordable prices. Genome editing in Egypt is expanding rapidly. National government agencies (i.e., STDF and ASRT) are strengthening GEd capacity by funding more than eight research projects, with AGERI and CUFA as leading beneficiaries. To raise public awareness, NGOs such as EBIC-ISAAA and the Alliance for Science (AfS) have conducted training and workshops to distinguish genome editing from transgenic GMOs. It is essential to increase Egyptian researchers' participation in international collaborations (e.g., Horizon Europe and AUDA-NEPAD initiatives) and to strengthen regional research networks and partnerships.
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Tunisia
Foundational Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1983)-(Ratified-1983)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1993)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1993)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2011)-(Ratified-2021)
Priority Organisms
Durum Wheat, Barley, Faba bean, Olive, Date Palm, Carob, Tomato, Pepper
Trends
Growing participation of Tunisian researchers in international collaborations (for example, Horizon Europe, AUDA-NEPAD initiatives). Rising recognition of GEd as a tool for food security, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture. Increasing interest from young researchers and graduate students in advanced biotechnologies. Strengthening of regional research networks and partnerships in molecular biology and genomics.
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Burkina Faso
Foundational Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1966)-(Ratified-1966)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1993)
- CBD: (Signed-1993)-(Ratified-2001)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2011)-(Ratified-2014)
Priority Organisms
Rice, Cowpea, Groundnuts, Cassava, Sweet potato, Tomato
Trends
Burkina Faso has a robust regulatory framework, a committed scientific community, and a proven track record in agricultural biotechnology. The nation is well-positioned to harness genome editing for sustainable development. However, this potential can be realized only through government and private-sector funding, deliberate policy reform, investments in human capital, regulatory systems, and public engagement. Genome editing offers Burkina Faso an opportunity to improve agricultural productivity and achieve food and nutritional security; it will also be a pathway to improved health and sustainable growth in several other areas.
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Cameroon
Advanced Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1969)-(Ratified-1969)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CPB: (Signed-2001)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2013)-(Ratified-2020)
Priority Organisms
Sorghum, Maize, Wheat, Cowpea, Bambara groundnut, Cassava, Cocoyam, Plantain, Banana, Cocoa, Coffee
Trends
Genome editing is advancing rapidly and offers significant opportunities to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and climate resilience in Cameroon. While momentum is evident, the technology remains at an early stage of development. With clear and enabling policies and guidelines, targeted investments in human resources and infrastructure, and strong collaboration among stakeholders, genome editing can contribute to climate-resilient, high-yielding crops, improved livestock and fisheries, and a strengthened forestry sector—thereby advancing Cameroon's national food security objectives. Although genome editing offers specific advantages, it should be promoted as part of an integrated bio-innovation approach rather than in isolation.
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Ghana
Medium Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1966)-(Ratified-1966)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1995)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CPB: (Signed-2003)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2012)-(Ratified-2019)
Priority Organisms
Sorghum, Maize, Rice, Cowpea, Bambara groundnut, Tomato, Sweet Potato, Cocoa, Onions, Plantain, Banana
Trends
The expansion of commercial farming (particularly of cashew, maize, and horticultural crops) was observed. Adoption of improved seed varieties and mechanization is also increasing in some areas, although most farms remain low-input. Although most farmers would like to incorporate technology into their farming practices, they lack the financial resources to do so. Shorter fallow periods and soil degradation due to rising land-use pressure from population growth were noted.
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Kenya
Advanced Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1969)-(Ratified-1969)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1993)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2010)-(Ratified-2014)
Priority Organisms
Sorghum, Maize, Pearl millet, Groundnut, Tomato, Cassava, Yam, Potato, Banana
Trends
Kenya is increasingly adopting biotech, particularly GEd to address food security and other agricultural challenges, moving from strict GMO regulations to product-based guidelines that facilitate the introduction of GEd products: crops (e.g., disease-resistant bananas, maize, cassava, self-fertilizing maize, etc.) and livestock (vaccine development for ECF, etc.). Due to legal challenges (court cases) involving GMO products, the overarching trend is one of expanding genomics infrastructure and knowledge/education to support innovation like GEd and cultivate a strong local biotech market.
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Malawi
Foundational Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1971)-(Ratified-1971)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2009)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2012)-(Ratified-2014)
Priority Organisms
Soybean, Groundnuts, Tomato
Trends
Malawi domesticated the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety before its ratification in 2009 by enacting the Biosafety Act of 2002, the Biosafety (Management of Genetically Modified Organisms) Regulations of 2007, and the National Biotechnology and Biosafety Policy of 2008. The Biosafety Act has been in effect for over two decades, and given rapid developments in biotechnology and emerging issues, it requires updating. The process of updating the law commenced in 2022. To ensure effective implementation of biosafety requirements, the country developed several guidelines, including those on genome editing, assessment of food and feed derived from GM crops, and procedures for regulating stack events, which were adopted in 2022. The adoption of policies governing genome editing and its products signifies the country's commitment to GEd. AUDA-NEPAD/ABNE, IITA, and other regional initiatives, such as OFAB, are actively supporting regulatory, communication, and training activities as entry points for regional collaboration and co-funding.
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Mauritius
Foundational Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1971)-(Ratified-1971)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1992)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1993)
- CPB: (Signed-2003)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2012)-(Ratified-2014)
Priority Organisms
Potato, Tomato
Trends
Mauritius is steadily developing a multifaceted biotechnology landscape, encompassing tissue culture, diagnostics, value-added horticulture, and emerging genetic innovation. Although genome editing remains largely unexplored due to regulatory gaps, foundational progress is being made through institutional development, strategic incentives, and expanding research capacity. As global momentum around genome editing accelerates, Mauritius is well-positioned to advance into agricultural biotechnology, particularly with supportive policy and regulatory reforms.
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Morocco
Medium Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-2002)-(Ratified-2002)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1995)
- CBD: (Signed-1995)-(Ratified-1995)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2011)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2011)-(Ratified-2022)
Priority Organisms
Durum Wheat, Barley, Potato, Tomato
Trends
Genome editing research in Morocco is expanding, with UM6P positioning itself as a North African hub through the African Genome Center and the African BioGenome Project. Regional collaborations, training programs (for example, UC Davis-AOCC-African Plant Breeding Academy CRISPR Course), and donor-funded projects are strengthening capacity. However, there is an uneven distribution of infrastructure, and national adoption is hindered by regulatory uncertainty, limited funding, and low public awareness. The global trend of distinguishing genome editing from transgenic GMOs has not yet been adopted in Morocco.
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Mozambique
Medium Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1981)-(Ratified-1981)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1994)-(Ratified-1995)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CPB: (Signed-2003)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2011)-(Ratified-2014)
Priority Organisms
Sorghum, Maize, Millet, Rice, Wheat, Cowpea, Cassava, Banana
Trends
Agricultural biotechnology, particularly genome editing (GEd), is emerging as a transformative force in African agriculture, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve crop yields, resilience, and nutritional quality. In Mozambique, this technology holds significant promise for addressing pressing food security challenges, including resistance to diseases and pests, drought tolerance, and the improvement of staple and commercial crops.
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Nigeria
Advanced Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1963)-(Ratified-1963)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2012)-(Ratified-2012)
Priority Organisms
Sorghum, Maize, Millet, Cowpea, Bambara groundnut, Soybean, Tomato, Cassava, Yams, Irish Potato, Cocoa, Ginger
Trends
In Nigeria, rapid advancement of genome editing technologies is revolutionizing modern science and enabling precise genetic engineering. Growing interest in applying genome editing to livestock improvement and biomedical research, including vaccine development and disease diagnostics. Increasing importance of proactive science communication, farmer sensitization, and engagement with civil society for successful deployment. The indicators of success in applying GEd to livestock and crop improvement include a surge in research publications, increased funding and investments, collaborations between academia and industry, development of new CRISPR tools, and ongoing regulatory discussions. This trend is driven by the potential of GEd to revolutionize livestock and crop production, disease diagnostics, and vaccine development.
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Rwanda
Medium Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-2018)-(Ratified-2018)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-N/A)-(Ratified-N/A)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1995)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2004)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2010)-(Ratified-2014)
Priority Organisms
Sorghum, Maize, Rice, Beans, Cassava, Irish Potato, Banana
Trends
Agricultural biotechnology, particularly genome editing, is increasingly recognized as a transformative tool for African agriculture, offering opportunities to enhance crop productivity, quality, and resilience. In Rwanda, policy trends indicate a growing openness to genome editing, supported by innovation-friendly policies, regional integration, and capacity-building initiatives. Key challenges remain in ensuring equitable access, fostering farmer and consumer acceptance, and maintaining robust biosafety systems to balance innovation with public trust and environmental sustainability.
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Senegal
Medium Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1966)-(Ratified-1966)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1994)
- CBD: (Signed-1994)-(Ratified-1995)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2004)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2012)-(Ratified-2016)
Priority Organisms
Rice, Cowpea, Peanuts, Tomatoes, Pepper
Trends
Arguably, Senegal lacks a clear trend in the adoption of biotech and GEd technologies, aside from the Biosafety Law taking effect on 14th June 2022. This law repealed the 2009 Biosecurity Law and established a process to allow the entry of R&D and the commercialization of biotech and, eventually, GEd products when they are adopted in Senegal. However, a trend is to issue decrees to ensure effective implementation of the Biosafety Law and to adopt new technologies, such as GEd, for crop and livestock improvement.
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South Africa
Advanced Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1994)-(Ratified-1994)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1993)-(Ratified-2003)
- CBD: (Signed-1993)-(Ratified-1995)
- CPB: (Signed-2000)-(Ratified-2003)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2011)-(Ratified-2013)
Priority Organisms
Sorghum, Maize, Bread wheat, Fodder Grasses, Marama bean, Cowpea, Bambara groundnut, Potato, Cassava, Banana, Sugarcane, Wine Grapes
Trends
Genome editing is advancing rapidly and offers significant opportunities to improve crop yields, disease resistance, and climate resilience. While momentum is strong, GEd in South Africa remains at an early stage. With enabling policies and guidelines, targeted investment in human capital and infrastructure, and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders, GEd can contribute to climate-resilient crops, high-performing livestock and fisheries, and a thriving forestry sector—advancing South Africa's national food security objectives. Importantly, GEd should be pursued as part of an integrated bio-innovation ecosystem rather than as a standalone solution.
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Zimbabwe
Foundational Readiness
Agreements/Treaties/Regulatory Frame
- Codex: (Signed-1985)-(Ratified-1985)
- UNFCCC: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1992)
- CBD: (Signed-1992)-(Ratified-1995)
- CPB: (Signed-2001)-(Ratified-2005)
- Nagoya Protocol: (Signed-2017)-(Ratified-2017)
Priority Organisms
Sorghum, Maize, Millet, Cowpea, Cassava, Tobacco
Trends
Genome editing presents a powerful opportunity to enhance agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and food security in Zimbabwe. Although genome editing adoption is still at an early stage, the country has a solid foundation in policy intent, scientific capacity, and institutional readiness. With clear regulatory guidance, targeted investment in human capital and infrastructure, strengthened partnerships, and improved coordination, genome editing can contribute meaningfully to Zimbabwe's national development and food security goals. Importantly, genome editing should be pursued as part of an integrated bio-innovation ecosystem rather than as a standalone technological solution.