Egypt’s Country Report on Genome Editing (GEd) Landscape Analysis
Executive Summary
Genome editing (GEd) in Egypt evolved by leading institutions as CUFA and AGERI, mainly in the field of Agriculture and recently to health through Human Research Project (HRP). Egypt has a regulatory framework but not functional to handle and regulate biotech and GEd products. Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency, Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs, is the primary authority in overseeing biosafety and biotechnology in Egypt, while National Food Safety Authority acts as Participating Institutions/Agencies. The draft Biosafety Law was prepared to provide a legal framework for regulating genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The framework was used in 2008-2012 to approve insect-resistant maize. In terms of genome editing, Egypt has not yet established specific regulations or guidelines. Despite this, Egypt has a handful of successful gene editing research projects that have been carried out mainly in the universities and research institutions, such as Cairo University, Faculty of Agriculture the and the Agricultural Research Center (ARC). Egypt initiated GEd projects in 2018 mainly on crops but there is no GEd project going on for livestock, agroforestry, fisheries so far. Genome editing is being clinically studied to treat inherited diseases like sickle cell anemia and cystic fibrosis. Egypt has several well-equipped universities and research institute that are carrying on or well equipped for carrying on GEd projects. STDF and ASRT are the main national funding agencies for research projects and the already support and fund GEd projects. Private sectors involvement is essential, however, there are several obstacles facing private sectors involvement in Egypt, such as the absence of a regulatory framework for genome-edited products, weak public-private collaboration, lack of awareness, funding and incentive barriers.
Background: Genome editing (GEd) is a rapidly developing technique to investigate fundamental questions in Plant Science research and genetic improvement of plants. GEd technologies have the potential to manipulate crop genomes with high precision and allow fast-track crop in breeding programs. Although Egypt started research on GEd since 2018, there is no policies and guidelines for GEd to facilitate the use of this technology. GEd, such as CRISPR/Cas genome editing, allows the development of precise modification at the nucleotide level that is not different from that which occurred from natural recombination during conventional breeding. The advancements in GEd technologies could be one of the solutions for crop improvement and mitigating climate changes. Egypt, as many African countries, faces massive global challenge of climate change, growing population, food security and poverty, making genome editing a potentially strategic innovation, making new biotech technologies, particularly using GEd, as a potential strategic innovation. Egypt has signed and ratified international agreements such as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (2000) and Nagoya Protocol (2012) but lacks an active regulatory framework for GEd. Efforts are currently driven by leading research institutions with support from international collaborations. In this study, data was collected from reviewing of national strategies, published scientific outputs, and institutional websites. In addition, primary data was obtained through questionnaires and direct face-to-face consultations with universities, research institutions, government agencies, and selected private-sector representatives.
Key Findings: Egypt is one of the first African countries that recognized the importance of producing biotech crops. Egypt practiced cultivation of insect-resistant maize (2008-2012) but it was banned due to lack of public awareness and political willingness. The rapid development of genome editing technologies, especially CRISPR/Cas9, opened a new window for fundamental research in plant biotechnology and tremendous possibilities in crop genetic improvement and agricultural application. CUFA and AGERI are leading genome editing initiatives, utilizing CRISPR/Cas system to wheat, sorghum, maize, potato and chickpeas. However, Egypt lacks regulatory framework to oversight the developed products.
Since 1960, Egypt has failed to keep pace with food production and consumption in the country. The gap is attributed to the low level of investment in agricultural research, to the slow growth in agricultural products and to the rapid increase in the per capita food consumption.
The report explores the current legislative framework for GEd in the country, the current landscape of GEd including projects in the different research institutions and universities in the country. It further highlights the infrastructure, equipment and human capital available in the universities and research Institutions. The indigenous and commercial crops and traits that can be improved using GEd technology. The role of the private sector in GEd technology development is also highlighted and finally, the review looks at the funding opportunities for GEd research and Development in the country. The constraints that limit the widespread adoption of GEd technologies in Egypt such as regulatory development, investment in infrastructure, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement is also identified.
The country report for Egypt gives a brief overview of the status of GEd in the country.
GEd-related research going on in Egypt, mainly in cereals, legumes, and indigenous crops such as cotton and potato.
The main Key driver for GEd developments are AGERI, CUFA, DRC, ICARDA and NRC.
In Egypt, training on GED and regulatory literacy is limited, although the academic base in molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics is well practiced.
Egypt lacks a specific regulatory framework for genome editing. A draft biosafety law addressing GMOs was prepared and in the process of approval by the Parament, leaving GEd oversight undefined.
Private-sector involvement remains limited and is mostly absent from current GEd-related initiatives.
Priority and indigenous crops with strong potential for GEd applications include wheat, barely, maize, chickpea, and faba bean.
The main funding agencies in Egypt for GEd projects are STDF and ASRT.
Egypt has agency for Intellectual property (IP) which cover patents, copyrights, and plant variety protection, aligned with international treaties.
Egyptian Authority for Intellectual Property cover patents, copyrights, and plant variety protection, aligned with international treaties.
Seed Registration Committee give permission for the registration of genetically modified seeds and marketing of GE seed varieties requires approval
Trends: The recent developments in GEd make it possible for new food products to reach the market quickly at affordable prices. Genome editing in Egypt is expending rapidly, National governmental agency (i.e. STDF and ASRT) strengthening capacity of GEd by funding over 8 research projects, leading these projects are AGERI and CUFA. While National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) regulate the imports of any modified foods (including GMOs and GEd). For public awareness, trainings and workshops were carried out by NGOs, such as EBIC-ISAAA and Alliance of Science (AOF) to distinguishing genome editing from transgenic GMOs. It is essential for enhance the participation of Egyptian researchers in international collaborations (e.g., Horizon Europe, AUDA-NEPAD initiatives) and strengthening of regional research networks and partnerships.
Policy Implications and Recommended Actions: There is an urgent need to establish a science-based national regulatory framework in Egypt to oversight the developed GEd crops as a first step for commercialization. In addition, the National Biosafety Committee should be activated by ratifying the biosafety law through the Egyptian Parliament. The isolated areas for field trials for GMOs are already assigned before and could be used for testing GEd crops. Several countries do not categorize transgene-free plants, produced by small indels, base-pair changes and specific short sequence changes, as genetically modified organisms (GMO) and are exempted from GMO regulation. For public acceptance, additional campaigns with involvement of the media and stakeholders are required to speed up the process for the country to benefit from GEd crops that will mitigate climate changes, strengthen food security, and to face the overgrowing population.
Short term (next 12–18 months)
Provie training to key stakeholders on international and African GEd guidelines and policies from existing frameworks.
Establishing interim GEd regulatory guidelines with a comprehensive legal framework on international best practice clearly distinguishing genome editing from transgenic GMOs.
- Reactivate the National Biosafety Committee which contains inter-ministerial committee (agriculture, research, economic planning, finance, health, environment, trade, IP) and establish GEd Biosafety Committee to be functional and independent than the National Biosafety Committee.
Increase national funding for GEd projects (particularly for Indigenous and Staple Crops), to sustain current research momentum and expand training.
Stakeholders and Public engagement campaigns to raise awareness about the elucidate genome editing and reduce resistance.
Build database website with collected information on ongoing research on GEd, thesis, training, equipped laboratories, etc.
Medium to long term (2–5 years)
Ratify a comprehensive genome editing regulatory framework with enacting a dedicated GEd law, setting up risk assessment protocols, and harmonizing regulations with regional and international partners.
Invest in equipping infrastructure and trainings to expand the numbers of universities and research institutes that works on GEd.
Motivate public–private partnerships and build a trustful relationship to offer a sustainable financial for GEd projects and trainings.
Extend the collaboration projects and training to cover regional area as well as with other African countries.
Leveraging from developed GEd by licensing at the plant variety protection of Intellectual Property Rights, Egypt
Conclusion:Research on genome editing in Egypt is growing very fast but the main obstacle is the lack of work on livestock/fisheries. It is essential to present a clear, enabling policy/guidelines; targeted investment in people and infrastructure; and better data coordination, to deliver the message to the stockholders that implementing GEd may be part of the solution for climate-resilient, high-yielding crops, high performing livestock/fisheries and forestry industry which will advance national food-security objectives for Egypt.
Priority GEd Organisms
Overview
Introduction
1.1 Agricultural landscape of Egypt
Agriculture is a key sector in the Egyptian economy. Egypt's agricultural landscape is defined by the fertile Nile Valley and Delta, which support most cultivable land and are almost entirely dependent on irrigation from the Nile River. The landscape includes "old" irrigated lands and newly reclaimed desert areas, a narrow rain-fed coastal strip, and diverse farming practices. Egypt's agriculture sector contributed approximately 13.7% of its GDP in 2024 and employed approximately 18.7% of the total workforce, according to the World Bank (https://tradingeconomics.com/egypt/agriculture-value-added-percent-of-gdp-wb-data.html). Key crops are grown in three seasons, including winter wheat and clover, and summer cotton and rice, alongside extensive vegetable cultivation. Agricultural research in Egypt is primarily focused on crop improvement and crop variety development that emphasizes the optimization of returns, as well as addressing biotic and abiotic stress. With limited arable land and water availability for agricultural production, agricultural biotechnology offers several avenues to address crop development and improve climate change resilience, including improvements to drought, heat, and salinity tolerance. Today, Egypt’s agricultural landscape is changing because of climate, economy, and population increases, making it a prime market.
1.2 National Regulatory Frameworks in Genome
In Egypt, many agricultural scientists view techniques of modern biotechnology as a promising tool for crop improvement and novel uses of plants, animals, and microorganisms. However, there are concerns raised about the safety of the modified crops and animals by these technologies to human health and the environment. National biosafety systems are supposed to serve as mechanisms for ensuring the safe use of biotechnology products without imposing unacceptable risk to human health or the environment, or unintended constraints to technology transfer. Establishing a system for biosafety review has many facets and associated challenges, and, apart from defining national guidelines, will require investments in people responsible for implementing and managing the system. Unlike “conventional” new products, products of agricultural biotechnology use novel gene combinations and/or expression modifications to confer altered and often unique phenotypes.
In 2008, Egypt was the first Arab country to commercialize GE corn. However, in 2012, Egypt issued a ministerial decree suspending all commercial cultivation of GE crops. Egypt is among the developing countries most advanced in the adoption and use of agricultural biotechnology. A handful of successful gene editing research projects, included the utilization of the CRISPR/CAS tool, have been carried out at the ARC and Faculty of Agriculture at Cairo University to improve drought tolerance in Egyptian wheat cultivars and chickpeas, as well as enhancing biomass quality in sorghum (to improve its value as a forage and biomass crop).
In Egypt, the Central Administration for Seed Testing and Certification (CASC), established in 1995, is the agency responsible for seed quality control, seed legislation and policy enforcement. While the Central Administration for Seed Production (CASP), administers and advises ARC on requirements for foundation and registered classes of seeds and plants. The agency supervises and contracts with seed growers to multiply seed. There are 66 registered seed production companies specialized mainly in seed of hybrid maize, sorghum, Sudan grass forages, sunflower, some vegetable seeds, and seeds of clover and alfalfa. In addition, 53 companies are registered for seed import and 148 for seed export.
1.3 Challenges and Opportunities for Genome editing in Egypt
Egypt started implementing GEd since 2018, however, the key challenges involve navigating diverse global regulatory frameworks, securing public acceptance, addressing potential health and environmental risks, and resolving ethical concerns such as equitable access to technology and corporate monopolization. Opportunities in agricultural genome editing include enhanced food security through increased crop yields, disease resistance, and adaptation to climate change, while also improving nutritional content and sustainability.
The general (overall) objective of the Genome Editing (GEd) Landscape Analysis, therefore, is focused on obtaining an in-depth assessment and analysis of existing policies, infrastructural, institutional, and technical capabilities to encompass product development and commercialization in a select number of African countries. For Egypt, the objective of this assessment is:
Provide an evidence-based analysis of Egypt’s current GEd landscape, highlight policy and institutional gaps, and identify opportunities for integrating genome editing into national agricultural and health strategies.
Address the emerging needs in Egypt that GEd and the staple and indigenous crops which require rapid improvement, focusing on agricultural productivity, reduction of postharvest losses, climate adaptation, food and nutrition security, diversified and healthy diets.
Inform policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders about the state of GEd research and regulation in Egypt, and to propose actionable recommendations for establishing a coherent and functional innovation ecosystem.
Provide an in-depth assessment and analysis of existing policies, infrastructural, institutional, and technical capabilities to encompass product development and commercialization in a select number of African countries.
2. Approach / Methodology
For data collection, the tasks were accomplished by a team of 3 three researchers beside the country champion. Main universities that work on GEd and/or plant biotechnology (such as Cairo University, Ain Shams University, Alexandria University, etc.) and research institutes (such as ARC, NRS, DRS, ICARDA) were visited, and one-to-one interviews were carried out to explain the questionaries and to collect data about their infrastructures and ongoing research. In addition, online contacts were carried out for universities outside Cairo. Components of stakeholders collected during the secondary and primary data were retrieved, gathered, assembled, synthesized and packaged into tables to give a perspective of the functionality and preparedness of Egypt to embrace and adopt GEd technologies.
2.1 Status of biotech/GEd regulatory and policy frameworks
Review of national agricultural and biotechnology strategies.
Review of relevant policies such as the ongoing National Biosafety Law submitted to the Parment, National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) law for food importation and other regulatory frameworks.
Analysis of published scientific literature and outputs from Egypt research institutions (e.g., CUFA, AGERI, DRC, NRC, Ain Shams University, etc).
Reference to the AUDA-NEPAD Consolidated Synthesis Report for cross-country benchmarking.
2.2 Projects, crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry and traits ready for commercialization and scaling
GEd projects, crops and traits were documented through personal communications acquisitions and through secondary data (published literature, website databases). Accomplished and running projects as well as published research on GEd were analyzed alongside stakeholder survey data. The synthesis documented CRISPR-based research projects (tomato, wheat, barley), traits under development, and sources of funding (institutional, donor-supported). Data collected This provided perspective needs of implementing GEd for the benefit of socio-economic potential, and climate resilience benefits.
Staple, Indigenous and Commercial crops that need improvement using GEd technology
The collected data from the interviews with the researchers identified staple, indigenous and commercial crops requiring improvement through genome editing. Suggested crops were prioritized based on food security impact, nutrient importance, economically important, etc.
2.4 Institutional capacity (human capital, laboratory and field infrastructure, equipment):
Data on existing institutional capacities in terms of human capital, lab and field infrastructure, equipment to engage in GEd R&D, commercialization and scaling were gathered from the respondents during the primary data exercise.
2.5 Stakeholder mapping
Target stakeholders was selected according to their engagement in GEd projects, published literature. Some were identified as individuals knowledgeable on regulators and scientists. Some of them were previously engaged on communication workshops and trainings.
Structured physical and online surveys were carried out to capture institutional perspectives on genome editing in Egypt. The surveys targeted the following categories:
Universities (Form: Egypt Universities, such as Cairo University, MUST, Nile University, Alexandria University, etc.)
Regulatory Agencies (Egypt Regulatory Agencies such as NFSA)
Government Ministries and Agencies (Egypt Government & Agencies)
Research Institutions (Egypt Research Institutions)
Private Sector / Industries (Egypt Private Sector)
2.6 Database Systems and Database Management
The consortium and sponsors of the project had technical supportive and training meetings to develop appropriate data collection tools (Questionnaires) and platforms to support primary data collection. Survey was tailored for the five stakeholders (regulatory, research, universities, private sector and government platforms) to develop dataset that gauged Egypt’s preparedness to fully embrace, engage and scale up GEd technologies. The data collection tools and platforms were pre-tested before use.
2.7 Data synthesis and statistical analysis
Data collected through desk research and online surveys were synthesized qualitatively and, analyzed using the SPSS package. Variables subjected to statistical tools included but not limited to i) number of elements describing the regulatory frameworks, ii) number of applications received and approved (field testing, registration and commercialization), iii) number of R&D institutions and their personnel and lab/field infrastructure, iv) number of projects, v) number of crops or livestock, vi) number of traits and so on. Scatter plots were employed to map the projects, crops and traits in a continental interactive map.
2.8 Interactive map
An interactive map akin to that of the Agenda 2063 dashboard and guides the visualization of the information collected in the database system.
3.1 National Regulatory Framework
Egypt has developed National Biosafety Framework (NBF) and biosafety law for GMO, even practiced commercialization of Bt maize. However, the law was banned in 2011 due to restriction of importing products to Europe market. Egypt ratified Cartagena Protocol (2000), the Convention on Biological Diversity (ratified 1992), and the Nagoya Protocol (2012). An updated draft biosafety law was reviewed and submitted to Egypt Parliament waiting for the final approval of the law. The National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) regulates imports of GM-derived feed but does not cover domestic genome editing research.
Genome editing research in Egypt is primarily carried out in pioneer research institutes such as CUFA and AGERI and are mainly financed by STDF and ASRT.
3.1.1 Regulatory Environment
Egypt is a Party to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and has ratified its major instruments, including the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety and Nagoya Protocol. In 2008, Egypt was the first Arab country to commercialize Genetically Engineered (GE) corn in the region. However, in 2012, Egypt issued a ministerial decree suspending all commercial cultivation of GE crops. Despite the moratorium, agricultural biotechnology research capacity has evolved and expanded through a network of universities and national research institutions. Although Egypt lacks legislation regulating biotechnology, the government permits biotech imports if the country-of-origin also consumes these products.
3.1.2 Regulatory Agencies
Although Egypt has developed a National Biosafety Framework (NBF) including strategies for risk assessment and management of GMOs, but the lack of an active biosafety framework has led to a promulgation of various decrees dealing with agricultural biotechnology. Biotechnology oversight falls under the purview of four different ministries, all of which have representation on the National Biosafety Committee. Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR), Ministry of Environment (MOE), Ministry of Higher Education and State for Scientific Research (MOHESR), Ministry of Health (MOH).
For importing Biotech crops, the National Food Safety Authority (NFSA) has the competent authority for giving permission for importing and deliberation of any biotech crops according to the Authority Law (1) of 2017 (provide reference). The framework for handling and importing biotech crops (including Ged) is established in 2025.
Table 1 Status of Egypt’s Participation in Key Multilateral Environmental Agreements
Multilateral Environmental Agreements) / Treaties | Date of Ratification / Accession by the Country | Reference(s) |
| Codex Alimentarius Commission is a joint body of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization established to develop international food standards, guidelines, and codes of practice. critical for risk assessment of food developed through genome editing | Member since 1963 | https://www.fao.org/fao-who-codexalimentarius/about-codex/members/en/ |
| UNEP, RIO Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) | Ratified 1994
| |
| EPA, Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety | Ratified 2003 | |
EPA, Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) | Ratified 2014 | |
UNFCC United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change | Ratified 1992 | https://unfccc.int/process-and-meetings/the-convention/status-of-ratification-of-the-convention.'' |
Kyoto Protocol part of its broader engagement with climate change initiatives, having also ratified the UNFCCC | Ratified 2005 | |
CASC The Central Administration for Seed Testing and Certification | 1995
| https://www.seedtest.org/en/membership/central-administration-for.html |
Table 2: Regulatory and Institutional Landscape for Genome Editing (GEd) in Egypt
Institutions | Mandate / Relevance to GEd | Regulatory instruments | Date of enactment or publication | Coverage/ scope | Reference(s) |
| Prime Minister | Regulations governing Biotechnology | Ministerial Decree No 85
| 1995 | Setting regulations and guidelines concerning the safe use of genetic engineering and molecular biology |
https://cgspace.cgiar.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/882c015c-8757-46e7-9fe1-2d10acb93c5d/content
|
| Prime Minister | GMO regulation | Ministerial Decree No 136
| 1995 | Permission from the National Biosafety Committee before using or dealing with any GE | |
| Prime Minister | R&D, Commercialization and Trade
| Decree 1648
| 1998 | Seed Registration Committee give permission for the registration of genetically modified seeds and marketing of GE seed varieties requires approval | |
| Prime Minister | GMO regulation | Decree 19
| 2007 | Nominated new members to the National Biosafety Committee | |
| Prime Minister’s office | Genome Editing Guidelines | None | None | None |
|
3.1.3 Regulations and Guidelines
The GEd guidelines for Egypt are currently not available. For the GMO, the Ministerial Decree 85 established the National Biosafety Committee, assigning it the task of setting regulations and guidelines concerning the safe use of genetic engineering and molecular biology; meant to ensure safety of the environment including human health. While Ministerial Decree No 136 was established for obligating and developed GE product to obtain a permit from the National Biosafety Committee before using for experimental usage. Decree 1648 stated that for the registration and marketing of GE seed varieties requires approval by the Seed Registration Committee, which receives guidance from the National Biosafety Committee. The Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), under the umbrella of Ministry of Environment established a biosafety unit in 2013 to assess the impact of releasing GE crops into the environment.
3.1.4 Functionality of the Regulatory Framework
Egypt’s effort to address environmental responsibility for products of biotechnology was set in motion in 1992 by the terms of collaboration between The Agriculture and Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI) and the Agricultural Biotechnology Support Project (ABSP). Egypt’s national biosafety system was formally instituted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (MALR) in two decrees issued early 1995. Ministerial Decree No. 85 (January 25, 1995) establishes a National Biosafety Committee (NBC); Ministerial Decree No. 136 (February 7, 1995) adopted biosafety regulations and guidelines for Egypt. The first Biosafety regulations and guidelines were published in draft form in January 1994 (MARL, 1994). The guidelines call for establishment of an Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) at all institutions conducting recombinant DNA research (https://cgspace.cgiar.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/882c015c-8757-46e7-9fe1-2d10acb93c5d/content)
In Egypt, there are three main components for issuing guideline and permission for releasing products/food:
Environmental safety
• Contained use, experimental releases, products
• NBC, Decrees 85, 136 (https://www.geneconvenevi.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Ministerial-Decree-on-the-restructuring-of-the-National-Committee-for-Biosafety-2007.pdf),
Food Safety:
• Products intended for food
• Supreme Council on Food Safety, Decree 242 (https://www.geneconvenevi.org/egypt-reg/).
Variety registration:
• Seed for cultivation
• Variety Committee - after OK National Biosafety Committee (NBC) and National Food Safety Authority (NFSA).
Egypt used to commercialize Bt maize and the steps for releasing Bt maize and approval processes are presented in Figures 1 & 2. The main structure of National Biosafety System is National Biosafety Committee (NBC), Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC) and Biosafety Guidelines. Examples of the milestones of biosafety development and provisions in Egypt are summarized in table 1& 2 and figures 1&2.
Figure 1 Steps for commercial release of genetically engineered plants in Egypt (Madkour et al., 2000)
.
Figure 2 Regulatory Review and Approval Process (https://www.geneconvenevi.org/egypt-reg/)
3.1.5 Regional Perspective
Union of Agricultural Work Committees (UAWC), North Africa Regional Integration Strategy Paper (NA-RISP) and other committees for North African countries do not have a unified set of regulations on genome editing. While individual countries are still developing their own regulatory frameworks for GMOs and GEd. However, Egypt is pioneer in conducting GEd research in comparted to the other North Africa.
3.2 Socio-economic consideration for for decision-making in GEd technology and application
The integration of socio-economic considerations is an important step toward the good governance of modern biotechnology. That could be accomplished through analytically sound research and regulatory processes that engage the public meaningfully. Lacking information on and analysis of the social and economic impacts of modern biotechnology will affects actual decision-making processes, therefore, the data collections will provide such information and analysis as a starting point for assisting national governments and other stakeholders in designing and implementing policies and mechanisms that incorporate socio-economic considerations into decision-making.
Analysis of the social and economic impacts of the assessment highlighted the following output:
For farmers benefits, GEd could potentially improve crop yields and subsequently will leads to higher incomes
GEd regulatory framework should be considered to govern the development and application of GEd technologies and to fulfill market access and trade.
GEd awareness campaigns for public perception and acceptance to build public trust.
Target GEd research addressing solutions for nutritional deficiencies and diseases for the benefits of the Egyptian people.
Decision-making, Media, and religious groups should be aware of the safety and benefit of GEd products.
The GEd guidelines and policy framework approved by other African countries like Kena and Nigeria could be used as the basis for developing Egypt’s GEd guideline.
Training and education are required to build local capacity in GEd research, development, and regulation is essential.
Essential infrastructural need to be provided for research institutions to allow for the researchers to accomplish GEd projects and open the door for national and international collaboration for the best practices in GEd.
Essential align the developed GEd crops with EU regulations to avoid market exporting rejection.
3.3 Analysis of Genome Editing Programs and Projects
Egypt has emerging but uneven human capacity in genome editing. The AGERI and CUFA offer training workshops and implement regional CRISPR projects in cereal, legumes and other important crops. There are several research institutes in Egypt still facing shortages of skilled researchers on GEd. Egyptian universities offer few degrees dedicated solely to GEd however, they offer relevant courses and research opportunities within undergraduate and postgraduate in Molecular Biology and bioinformatics with GEd components.
A handful of successful gene editing research projects have been carried out mainly in the Universities/Research Institutions, such as the Agricultural Research Center (ARC) and the Faculty of Agriculture at Cairo University to improve drought tolerance in Egyptian wheat cultivars and chickpeas, as well as enhancing biomass quality in sorghum (to improve its value as a forage and biomass crop). These projects included the utilization of the CRISPR/Cas tool for gene editing. GEd research projects in Egypt focusing on key food crops and traits of economic importance addressing key production challenges, e.g. diseases, drought tolerance and yield improvement is presented in Table 3 below..
Table 3 Genome editing projects, organisms (Crops/Forestry/Livestock/Fisheries) and traits in Egypt
Project #1: Developing Abiotic Stress Tolerant Wheat Using Gene Editing [Completed] Principal Investigators Partnership: Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Nature of partnership: Joint research-(Public) Funding Source: Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) and USAID | |||||||
Project Duration (Years) | Organism | Trait(s) | GEd Technology | Amount (USD million) | Target country/countries | Development stage (DS): | Reference(s) |
(2018-2022) | Triticum aestivum (Bread wheat) | Drought tolerance | CRISPR/Cas9 SDN1 | 0.4 | Egypt-USA | Research & Development (R&D) | Abdallah et al., 2021 |
Project #2: Genome Editing in Sorghum for Improving Biofuel Production and Forage Quality. Partnership: AGERI and University of Florida Nature of Partnership: Joint research (Public) Funding Source: STDF and USAID | |||||||
(2018-2023) | Sorghum
| Biofuel Production and Forage Quality | CRISPR-Cas9 SDN1 | 0.4 | Egypt-USA | Research & Development (R&D) | Assem et al., 2023 |
Project #3: Developing Drought Tolerant Chickpea Using Gene Editing
Partnership: Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, AGERI, ICARDA and Tuskegee University Nature of Partnership: Joint research (Public) Funding Source: STDF and USAID | |||||||
2024-2027 | Chickpea | Drought tolerance | CRISPR-Cas9 Base editing SDN1 | 0.4 | Egypt-USA | Research and Development (R&D) | Abdallah et al., 2025 |
Project #4: Improving maize productivity under water scarcity using precise genome editing Partnership: Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, AGERI, International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) Nature of Partnership: Funding Source: STDF | |||||||
2024 | Maize | Drought tolerance and improve productivity | CRISPR-Cas9 Base editing, Gene activation SDN1 | 0.2 | Egypt | R&D | Reference (in process) PI: Prof. Naglaa ABdallah |
Project #5: Decreasing of Monosaccharide Contents Resulted from Cold- Induced Sweetening in Tetraploid Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) Using Genome Editing. Partnership: AGERI and Ain Shams University Nature of Partnership: Joined research Funding Source: Self-funding | |||||||
2023 | Potato | Cold- Induced Sweetening | CRISPR/Cas9 SDN1 | PhD | Egypt | R&D | Hassan et al., 2023 |
Project #6: Improved starch quality by reducing the levels of amylose, thus increasing the amylopectin content. Partnership: AGERI and Ain Shams University Nature of Partnership: Joint research (Public) Funding Source: Self-funding | |||||||
2023 | Potato | Starch quality | CRISPR/Cas9 SDN1
| PhD | Egypt | R&D | Ali et al., 2023 |
Project #7: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of FT/TFL1 in petunia improves plant architecture and early flowering Partnership: Date Palm Research and Development, Agricultural Research Center and Faculty of Agriculture, Ondokuz Mayis University, Turkey. Nature of Partnership: Funding Source: Ondokuz Mayis University | |||||||
2024 | Petunia | Compact flowers, smaller plants with high flower abundance | CRISPR/Cas9 SDN1
| ?? | Egypt – Turkey | R&D | Abdulla et al. (2024)
Secgin et al., 2022
|
Project #8: CRISPR/Cas9 Mediated Knockout of the OsbHLH024 Transcription Factor Improves Salt Stress Resistance in Rice Partnership: Taif University, Alexandria University Nature of Partnership: Public Funding Source: Taif University Researchers Supporting Project |
| ||||||
2022 | Rice | Salt tolerance | CRISPR/Cas9 | ? | Saudi Arab, Egypt | R&D | Alam et al., 2022 |
3.4 Analysis of Human Capital and Institutional Capacity
According to the Supreme Council of Universities (SCU) (https://scu.eg/universities-institution/), Egypt has 30 public universities, 19 Egyptian Private Universities, 34 joined with International Universities, 18 Governmental Universities.
Agricultural Research Center has sixteen research Institutes (http://www.arc.sci.eg/ARCInstituteList.aspx?TabId=1&lang=en), the National Research Center consists of 14 institutes and 109 departments covering the main areas of industry, health, environment, agriculture, basic sciences and engineering (https://www.nrc.sci.eg/about-us), Desert Research Center has 4 division and 11 stations (https://drc.gov.eg/en/history/). Building strong institutional capacity and fostering skilled human capital are essential to developing robust biotechnology policies and effectively absorbing and adapting modern technologies in Egypt.
3.5 Research, Development and Academic Institutions
Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGER) is a specialized institute within the Egyptian Agricultural Research Center dedicated to agricultural genetic engineering, technology transfer, research, training, and adapting new technologies for agricultural development in Egypt. Established in 1990 as a project and formalized in 1992, AGERI is a pioneer in biotechnology research in the Middle East and Africa, aiming to improve agricultural productivity through advanced genetic engineering techniques.
Cairo University's Faculty of Agriculture (CUFA) offers a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Sciences with a specialization in Biotechnology as part of its English Language Programs. This program allows students to concentrate on modern agricultural biotechnology, with potential study paths including areas like genetic engineering and other advanced applications. CUFA has strong biotechnology programs and research, there is a well Research Park involving division for Biotechnology. In addition, there are several laboratories, satellite for Department of Genetics, dedicated for biotechnology research. The Faculty of Agriculture focuses on comprehensive agricultural education and research in various areas, including biotechnology.
Among the Egyptian Universities and Institutes, ten offer biotechnology courses and program. These are listed in table 4 below:
Table 4 Universities Offering Biotechnology programs and GEd related courses
Institution | BSc | Master | PhD | |||
Program | Courses | Program | Courses | Program | Courses | |
Cairo University Faculty of Agriculture | Biotechnology (English) Biotechnology (Arabic) | General Genetics Introduction to Biotechnology Molecular Genetics 1 Molecular Genetics 2 Bioinformatics Gene transfer | Genetics & Biotechnology
| Advanced Genetics Biochemical Genetics Environmental Biotechnology
| Genetics & Biotechnology
| Bioinformatics Molecular Genetics Omics, environmental biotechnology |
Ain Shama University Faculty of Agriculture | General Biotechnology
| General Genetics Introduction to Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Bioinformatics | Genetics | Advanced Genetics Biochemical Genetics Environmental Biotechnology
| Genetics | Bioinformatics Molecular Genetics Environmental Biotechnology
|
American University in Egypt | --- |
| Biotechnology | Genetics Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Bioinformatics |
|
|
Alexandria University | Biotechnology | General Genetics Introduction to Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Bioinformatics | Genetics | Advanced Genetics Biochemical Genetics Environmental Biotechnology | Genetics | Bioinformatics Molecular Genetics
|
Mansoura University | Agriculture Biotechnology
| General Genetics Introduction to Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Bioinformatics | Genetics | Advanced Genetics Biochemical Genetics Environmental Biotechnology |
| Genetics |
Benha University | Agriculture Biotechnology
| General Genetics Introduction to Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Bioinformatics | Genetics | Advanced Genetics Biochemical Genetics Environmental Biotechnology |
|
|
Badr University | Biotechnology | General Genetics Introduction to Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Bioinformatics | No MSc program |
| No PhD program |
|
Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST) | Biotechnology
| General Genetics Introduction to Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Bioinformatics Industrial Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, Health Biotechnology | Biotechnology | Advanced Genetics Biochemical Genetics Environmental Biotechnology
| No PhD program |
|
Galal University | Molecular Biotechnology | General Genetics Introduction to Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Bioinformatics | No MSc program |
| No PhD program |
|
October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA) | Biotechnology Focus on Agricultural Biotechnology, Health Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, Industrial Biotechnology | General Genetics Introduction to Biotechnology Molecular Genetics Bioinformatics Industrial Biotechnology, Environmental Biotechnology, Health Biotechnology | No MSc program |
| No PhD program |
|
3.6 Training and Professional Development in Egypt
3.6.1 North African, Regional Webinars on Gene Editing Technology Initiative (GETI)
A three days’ training Webinar was organized by Network of African Science Academies (NASAC) and Africa Harvest between 10th -12th September 2022. 7 lectures covered during the webinar include: The role of researchers in progressing gene editing for sustainable agriculture in Africa (Dr. Shireen Assem, ARC, Egypt); Education of researchers for gene editing research (Prof. Abdelfattah Badr, Helwan University); Plant genome engineering: a biotechnology tool for crop improvement (Prof. Moemen Hanafy, NRC), Agriculture genome editing in health care. Benefits and challenges (Prof. Hany Khalil, Sadat City University); The role of regulators in progressing gene editing for sustainable agriculture in Africa (Prof. Naglaa Abdallah, Cairo University); Current situation and regulations of North Africa countries, risks, and safety considerations (Dr. Hesham Elshishtawy, AGERI), Gene editing: from science to business (Dr. Ehab Abdel Rauf Essawy, Helwan University).
(https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1sWtDdcztZrYtZxYb-VA7jbwNmqKfOCv9z5K55biswDQ/edit) (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81264562572?pwd=RTE1VDE5dTJPUStmWUFkK1JldDRKdz09).
Science communication workshop on genome editing and GMO
Training workshop was held in Egypt from October 23-26, 2023. The training was organized by Alliance of Science and National Biotechnology Network of Expertise (NBNE). The goal of the is to create awareness and foster a broader understanding of modern biotechnology and in particular genome editing. The workshop is engaging different key stakeholder groups through targeted communication, and advocacy to support policies and decision-making processes towards an enhanced uptake of genome editing and GMO to sustainably optimize agriculture on the Continent. Overall, genome editing has the potential to contribute to the achievement of key development outcomes, such as adapting to climate change, the reduction of poverty and enhancement of food systems to improve livelihoods, and thereby help to accelerate the pace of industrialization. The first day was Plenary day to cover the situation of GM and editing crops, Dr. Mahaletchumy Arujanan (ISAAA) talked (online) about Global status and prospects of gene innovations (gene edited and GM crops) and Dr. Shireen Assem (Vice president of ARC) talked about GM crops in Egypt: status, experiences and lessons learned. While Prof. Naglaa Abdallah (NBNE) covered fundamental genome editing and its applications for crop improvement.
For representing biosafety legislation and the regulatory status at the international and national levels, Mr. John Komen (PBS) Guidelines for the biosafety assessment of GM and genome editing crops. While Dr. Loay Zongal, (Ministry of Environment) represented the regulatory status of gene edited crops in Egypt. Dr. Aladdin Hamawia (ICARDA) represented (online) the biotech crops for sustainable crop improvement.
At the end, experience sharing from high level participants on adoption of Biotech crops in Egypt. Needs assessment and challenges to be addressed. Panel discussion with Dr. Adel Yassine (fine seeds), Farmer, researchers & journalist. Followed by three days for training 35 participant (farmers, scientists from universities and research institutes, private sectors, governorates, and Media) and communication on GEn. (https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83957519204?pwd=MDx3BAOgXlhCKtEmmwxZbFSC9fcOba.1) (https://x.com/scienceally/status/1716343005953634423?s=48&t=Yt076WfXGFsqzgVNCTebQQ)
Training Course “CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing: a new approach for therapeutics (hands on course)” 20 – 22 September 2022, Cairo, Egypt.
Genome editing is considered as one of the decade’s most significant innovation. It offers potential benefits such as treating genetic diseases, understanding molecular genetic mechanisms, producing more resilient crops, etc. The recent advances and breakthrough in the field during the last few years is tremendous, and it is critical to give young researcher the opportunity to develop their skills in this field.
The training on Basic Principles of Genome Editing Technologies: From ZNF to CRISPR, Different modified CRISPR/Cas9 approaches and Non-Cas9 Systems for Gene Editing, CRISPR vs. RNAi Technologies: History, Strength and Weaknesses points, Opportunities, Challenges and Future Prospects, Ethical issues related to genome editing. Participants included PhD students who are involved or planning to work in the field of gene editing, Postdocs with previous experience in gene editing and currently working or planning to work in the same field. Academics from varies fields who show interest to include gene editing in their future projects. The training was partially funded by ICGEB (https://www.icgeb.org/https-www-icgeb-org-crispr-course-egypt-2022/).
ACSAD and EBIC Hold Biotech Workshop and Form Arab Biotech Network
The Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry lands (ACSAD) and Egypt Biotechnology Information Center (EBIC) organized a workshop on biotechnology applications for developing drought tolerant crops on October 8-9, 2016, at the Desert Research Center. Representatives from nine Arab countries, including Libya, Jordan, Syria, Algeria, Palestine, Kuwait, Iraq, Libyan, Tunisia, and Sudan participated in the workshop and presented about the applications of biotechnology in their respective countries.
Prof. Said Khalifa, Director of Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Drylands office in Egypt, talked about the role of ACSAD in the development of the arid and semi-arid areas of the Arab World. Early this year, the ACSAD and EBIC signed a twin agreement for collaboration and the workshop was carried out as a part of the agreement.
Prof. Naglaa Abdallah, Director of EBIC, gave a keynote presentation on engineering drought-tolerant crops and she covered the different new breeding technologies applied to improve crop productivity. At the end of the workshop, the participants agreed to establish an Arab Biotechnology Network under the umbrella of ACSAD and nominated Prof. Abdallah as the coordinator of the network. Each of the guest countries will serve as the focal point for his country and will be responsible for contacting researchers in the field of biotechnology to join the network (https://www.isaaa.org/kc/cropbiotechupdate/article/default.asp?ID=14844)
YouTube Channel training on Genome editing
Gene editing is a set of genetic editing techniques aimed at rewriting the genetic material of an organism, and this technique is more accurate than previous genetic engineering techniques, and aims to treat many plant, animal and human diseases. Prof. Dr. Naglaa Abdullah, Professor of Agriculture in Cairo and Coordinator of the National Network of Biotechnology Experts, presents the potential uses in the field of plants and the expected hopes of using technology. She presented the different techniques used for GEd and its applications. The video is presented in Arabic to target North Africa and Mediterranean region (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ZKXz219RCI)
University courses
GEd topics are covered among several courses such as molecular genetics, gene transfer and Bioinformatics in BSc programs at Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University (has three Biotechnology programs at faculty of Agriculture, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Veterinary), Ain Shams University, through under-graduate (levels 3 & 4) as well as post graduate courses (MSc & PhD). Practical parts also involved hands on techniques for GEd. A summarized research institutes and universities offering biotechnology works are presented in Table 6.
Table 5 Examples of Universities offering training/courses on GEd and biotechnology
University | Faculty/program on biotechnology | BSc | MSc | PhD |
Misr University for Science and Technology | College of Biotechnology | https://must.edu.eg/academics/college-of-biotechnology/ | https://must.edu.eg/biotechnology-postgraduate-studies/ | -- |
University for Modern Sciences & Arts | Faculty of Biotechnology | https://msa.edu.eg/msauniversity/faculties/biotechnology/programme-course-specifications-documents/ | https://msa.edu.eg/msauniversity/postgraduate-studies/msc-in-biotechnology/ | -- |
German University in Cairo | Pharmacy and Biotechnology Faculty | https://www.guc.edu.eg/en/academic_programs/programs/offered_courses.aspx?pId=33 | https://www.guc.edu.eg/en/academic_programs/postgraduate_studies/master_programs.aspx | https://www.guc.edu.eg/en/academic_programs/postgraduate_studies/doctorate_programs |
Analysis of Infrastructure and Equipment
The selected Egyptian universities and research institutions have the necessary infrastructure and equipment to carry out GEd related projects. Exampled of Universities and Research Councils which have human capacity to train and carry out GEd related projects are presented in table 6.
Table 6 GEd projects, human capital, infrastructure, equipment and relevant department/Faculty.
Universities/ Research Councils | No. GEd Projects | Human Capital (Plant tissue culture, molecular Biology and Bioinformatics | Infrastructure (Laboratory, greenhouses BSL2, field trials) | Limitation | Biotechnology Dept/Agric Faculty |
Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Institute (AGERI) | Yes-3 | Yes | Fully equipped | Procurement problem, shortage of consumables/ chemicals on local market | Specialized procurement system, private sector engagement |
Cairo University, Faculty of Agriculture | Yes 3 | Yes | Fully equipped | Procurement problem, shortage of consumables/ chemicals on local market | Specialized procurement system, private sector engagement |
National Research Center (NRC) | Yes-2 | Yes | Fully equipped | Procurement problem, shortage of consumables/ chemicals on local market | Specialized procurement system, private sector engagement |
Ain Shama University | Yes-1 | Yes | Limited Equipment | Procurement problem, shortage of consumables/ chemicals on local market | Specialized procurement system, private sector engagement |
Alexandria University | Yes-1 | Yes | Limited Equipment | Procurement problem, shortage of consumables/ chemicals on local market | Specialized procurement system, private sector engagement |
Mansoura University | Yes-1 | Yes | Limited Equipment | Procurement problem, shortage of consumables/ chemicals on local market | Specialized procurement system, private sector engagement |
Desert Research Center | Yes-1 | Yes | Limited Equipment | Procurement problem, shortage of consumables/ chemicals on local market | Specialized procurement system, private sector engagement |
AGERI is a scientific Institute based at ARC with all equipment and faculties needed for developing biotech crops (http://www.arc.sci.eg/InstsLabs/Default.aspx?OrgID=15&lang=en)
Faculty of Agriculture at Cairo University has the main equipment and faculties needed for developing biotech crop (http://agr.cu.edu.eg/langs/index.php).
The main certified facilities for carrying out GEd research and innovation and bio-informatics capability are presented in Table 7 below.
Table 7 Essential Equipment for Setting up GEd CRISP Laboratory and Field Studies
Equipment | Description |
PCR Machine | To amplify the DNA of the plant and generate sufficient amounts for CRISPR editing. |
Electrophoresis System | To visualize and separate DNA fragments after PCR amplification. |
Scanning transmission electron microscope | To observe variation in edited plants and microbe infection process |
Gel Imaging System | To visualize DNA bands after electrophoresis and verify the PCR products. |
DNA Sequencer | To sequence the plant's genome to identify the target genes for editing. |
| Gel Imaging System | To visualize DNA bands after electrophoresis and verify the PCR products. |
Microinjectors | To deliver CRISPR-Cas components into the plant cells for editing. |
| Tissue Culture Facilities | To maintain the plant cells in sterile conditions for editing and culturing. |
| Autoclaves |
|
| Laminar flow hoods | For plant tissue culture and for bacterial treatments |
CRISPR-Cas software | To design CRISPR-Cas guide RNA sequences and analyze the genome sequence data. |
| Bioinformatics software: | To analyze the data generated by DNA sequencing and compare it with the reference genome. |
| Plant growth chambers/Greenhouses BSL2 | To provide an optimized environment for growing plants in controlled conditions.
|
Safety equipment | Appropriate personal protective equipment such as lab coats, gloves, and goggles must be worn while handling genetically modified organisms. |
| Contained field for Trials |
|
RESEARCH COUNCILS
The Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) is the national umbrella for the planning of scientific research activities in Egypt. It includes the national committees of 20 International Scientific Unions and has 15 specialized Councils for various branches of scientific activities.
The Supreme Council of Universities is the sole authority in the Arab Republic of Egypt responsible for equating academic degrees. The Supreme Council of Institutes is responsible for setting the general policy of the institutes in light of the general planning of higher education, approval of the internal regulations of the institutes with regard to the duration of the study, its academic decisions, its scientific content, its scientific sections and its people, the conditions of acceptance of students, the levels of faculty members, the examination systems and the detailed conditions for awarding diplomas, diplomas and certificates granted by the institutes.
The Agriculture Export Council is a nonprofit organization aims at the development of the export of agricultural sector. It's an advisory council to the Minister of Trade and Industry, and represents the Egyptian agricultural crops exporters.
The Higher Council for Science and Technology (HCST) works under the supervision of the Ministry of Scientific Research. The Council is concerned with strategic planning, developing future visions for science and technology, adopting the standards of the executive plan and following them up to achieve the objectives of the national plan.
Analysis of Indigenous and Staple Crops with Potential for GEd Improvement
Egypt has a wide diversity of commercial and indigenous crops that are amenable to GEd technology. Research and Development work is currently going on producing drought resistant maize, wheat and chickpeas at Cairo University.
Indigenous and commercial crops that have the potential for GEd research in Egypt are listed in Table 8 below.
Table 8 Commercial and Indigenous crops that need improvement using GEd technology
Crop | Challenge | Trait Improvement | Economic Importance | Production 1000 Tonnes | Existing R&D |
Cereals |
|
|
|
|
|
Sorghum | Draught stress and nutrition | Improved yield and high nutrition | Limited production | 790 | Breeding + GEd |
Barely | Draught Stress and nutrition | Improved yield and high nutrition | Limited production | 90 | Breeding |
Maize | Insect resistance, Yield | Insect resistance, Yield | Food & feed Source of oil Not self sufficient | 7,200 | Breeding + GEd |
Wheat (Triticum aestivum) | Fungal resistance, Yield | Fungal resistance, Yield | Import >50% of production | 9,200 | Breeding + GEd |
Legumes |
|
|
|
|
|
Faba beans | Broomrapes | Disease resistance | Source of plant protein for low income | 277.3 | Breeding |
Lentil | Pests and Disease | Pest and Disease resistance |
| -- | |
Cowpea | Pests and Disease | Pest and Disease resistance |
| -- | |
Beans | Pests and Disease | Pest and Disease resistance |
| -- | |
Chickpeas | Drought | Drought tolerance | 1.5 | Breeding + GEd | |
Fruit crops |
|
|
|
|
|
Table grapes | Drought | Drought resistance | Exportation |
| --- |
Strawberry | Diseases and drought | Yield | Exportation |
| -- |
Banana | Pests and Disease | Pest and Disease resistance |
|
| -- |
Date palm | Insects | Insect resistance | Exportation |
|
|
Tuber crops |
|
|
|
|
|
Potato | Viruses | Yield | Exportation |
|
|
Fiber crops |
|
|
|
|
|
Cotton | Insect/ weeds | Insect resistance | Used for industry & top global exporters | 425 (480-lb Bales) |
|
Oil crops |
|
|
|
|
|
Sunflower | Fungi | Yield | Important source of oil | 50 |
|
According to the International Production Assessment Division (https://ipad.fas.usda.gov/Default.aspx), Egypt yield and production for the year 2024-2025 showed that Wheat production reached 9,200 (1000 tones) with 6.57 (T/Ha) yield. Sorghum production reached 790 (1000 tones) with 4.09 (T/Ha) yield, while barely production 90 (1000 tones) with 5.27 (T/Ha) yield. Wheat and corn are the most important cereals crop for food and feed consumption in Egypt. However, Egypt’s wheat imports for marketing year (MY) 2024/25 (July – June) are estimated at 12.5 million metric tons (MMT), while corn imports are estimated at 8.0 MMT in MY 2024/25 (https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/egypt-grain-and-feed-update-7). Increasing the production and yield of wheat and corn using GEd is vital for global food security, helping to feed a growing population and also will contribute to economic stability. Legumes (poor man’s meat) are excellent source of plant-based protein and other essential nutrients, offering a valuable alternative to meat protein sources making them a versatile and nutritious part of a balanced diet. Using GEd to improve the yield and productivity will decrease their cost and decrease poverty. Pest and diseases affect the yield and productivity of fruits, potato, cotton and may other crops. Using GEd will help in developing tolerant plants and improve Egypt economy. Infected fruits and potato affect exportation.
Analysis of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
Egypt, as a member of the World Trade Organization, have the right to apply for a patent at the Egyptian Patent Office, and enjoy whatever rights derived therefrom, in conformity with the provisions of this Law. Egypt has established Law No. 82 of 2002 on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights, Egypt, patents and utility models (https://www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/legislation/details/22066). Egyptian Patent Office (EPO) strive to efficiently manage the patent system to share and disseminate knowledge, encourage inventors and protect their rights, through administrative development and business governance, as well as adopting national patent policies and mechanisms, which contributes to the comprehensive development of the society in all areas of life. It supports innovation and invention to build a society capable of producing and using technology effectively to achieve comprehensive development. The EPO is responsible for administering and enforcing intellectual property laws related to innovations and technologies, including patents, trademarks, and copyright. The EPO operates under the Academy of Scientific Research & Technology. Egypt is a member of several international treaties and organizations that facilitate the protection of IPR on a global scale. These include the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the Madrid Protocol for the international registration of marks, and the Lisbon Agreement concerning the protection of appellations of origin and their international registration (WIPO, 2023) (http://www.egypo.gov.eg/page.aspx?id=11&lang=en).
In Egypt, Law No. 163 of 2023 (“Law”) was issued on 6 August 2023 for the establishment of the Egyptian Authority for Intellectual Property (“IP Authority”). The IP Authority have an exclusive and comprehensive competence on all matters relating to the Intellectual Property Rights (“IPRs”) and it will be affiliated with the Egyptian Cabinet. The IP authority have several competencies, among them “Registration of IPRs and issuance of certificates of protection, that will allow scientist to register their invention and products such as GEd. In addition, the new plant varieties are protected under Book 4 of the law of IP Rights 82, 2002 (https://wipolex-res.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/eg/eg063en.html), that will allow registration of new edited plants. Although Egypt carryon several GEd projects but none of them developed products for patents yet.
Analysis of Private Sector Participation
International collaboration is fundamental for developing genome editing technologies in Egypt. They strengthen research capacity, enable the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and advance the development of home-grown solutions for local problems in health and agriculture. Noteworthy, in that regard, is the extent to which Egyptian institutions have reached out to a variety of international research organizations to seek regional expertise and resources. Collaborations like these not only help build the technical capacity of Egyptian researchers but also aid in developing climate-resilient crops better suited for the region.
Private sector companies in Egypt support new biotech crops through providing techniques and information as well as participating in training and workshops for dissemination of the right information and the benefit of GEd crops. Among those companies, Bayer, PICO, Pearl of Africa, etc. Research institutes and Universities in Egypt collaborate with other National and International organizations, such as ICARDA, USDA, ISAAA, Alliance of Science and ACSAD. An example of this is a partnership between Cairo University, ICARDA, AGERI and Tuskegee University in genome editing projects on chickpeas to develop drought tolerant plants. Also, collaborations between the National Research Centre (NRC) Egypt, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) to develop plant genome editing tools. Collaborations between AGERI, Cairo University and PICO seeds company to develop biotech strawberry and gerbera plants was also allowed engaging private sectors in biotechnology research work.
Table 9 Challenges and opportunities of engaging private sectors
Challenges | Opportunities |
Lack of Awareness | Human capacity and high skilled researchers |
Limited expertise on GEd techniques | Availability if International Research Programs |
Limited Investment in GEd R&D | Political willingness to Demond for Climate-Resilient Crops and to feed the growing population |
Weak Public-Private Collaboration |
|
Market Readiness |
|
Consumer Acceptance |
|
Limited Public-Private Collaboration |
|
Analysis of Funding and Investment landscape
There are very few players in the funding space for GEd research in Egypt. The major players are the
Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) (http://www.asrt.sci.eg/category/open-calls) ASRT is a national coordinating body & funding organization for research and innovation in Egypt. It acts as the executive arm of the Egyptian Ministry of Scientific Research for the design and implementation of national programs and roadmaps. ASRT hosts sectorial councils on medical research, ethics and drug research. It is also host to strategic committees such as the national pharmacology committee and to key departments such as the patent office, and the National Innovation and Invention Development Agency, a Scientific observatory. ASRT serve as Egypt’s national house of expertise, and national think tank in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation, concerned with STI strategic planning, preparing technological road maps and future studies, recognize excellence in science, benchmarking of research institutions, and help in raising scientific awareness. ASRT Provides consultations to the government and decision-makers on issues related to science and technology in Egypt and around the world. The main public supporter of Innovation, Entrepreneurship, IPR, Technological Incubators and Technology transfer.
Science and Technology Development Fund (STDF) (https://stdf.eg/): STDF is the major research-funding organization and continuously improving its performance STDF has stimulated the Egyptian scientific society by funding distinguished research papers and establishing scientific partnerships with scientists from many advanced countries in order to keep track of quickly advancing technology, and be open to different societies, as well as, new economic unions, compete on the international arena, link scientific research to technological development and cooperate with civil society institutions to activate their role in the integrated scientific research system. STDF main objectives are to improve the research and development environment, provide funding for scientific research and technology development, support and developing the innovation capabilities of the science and technology community, support the complete cycle of scientific research and product development, disseminate information on science and technology in Egypt. USAID-STDF offering research grants through research collaboration between Egyptian and U.S. scientists as well as establishing Center of Excellences for water, energy and agriculture. STDF funded 4 GEd projects (wheat, chickpea, maize and sorghum) with a total amount of $800,000.
Research Institutions and Universities: Each University and research institute has its own fund for promoting and supporting research as well as funding postgraduate thesis. They invest in knowledge through providing infrastructure, trainings and workshops.
Egypt is actively practice implementing GEd research projects but lack genome editing policies. It is essential to develop product-based biosafety guidelines to enhance benefit for developing GEd products. In addition, recommendations include continued development of robust biosafety frameworks, capacity building for decision-makers, engagement with stakeholders, and fostering an environment that supports local researchers and businesses to leverage genome editing for food security and economic growth.
According to the assessment review for Egypt, major recommendations of this report are summarized as follows:
1. Establish a Clear and Inclusive Legal Framework by developing a national regulatory framework specifically for genome editing aligned with international instruments, involve key stakeholders in regulatory design to enhance legitimacy and applicability.
2. Strengthen Institutional Coordination by building a database for GEd research projects, capacity building and expert scientists and encourage joint projects between research institutes nationally and internationally.
3. Invest in Capacity Building and Infrastructure by supporting training programs in GEd, bioinformatics, and regulatory science for researchers, technicians, and regulators as well as enhance infrastructures by offering the required equipment and facilities to enable advanced genome editing and detection technologies.
4. Fund strategic GEd project and programs targeting national challenges.
5. Promote Private Sector Participation by initiating startup incubation programs in agricultural biotechnology and genome editing as well as starting biotech companies targeting public-private partnerships
6. Develop Guidelines for Ethical and Responsible Research
7. Raise Public Awareness and Trust by developing communication strategies on the benefits of genome editing, engaging farmers, consumers, and civil society
8. Mobilize Sustainable Funding Mechanisms by increasing allocated funds for GEd at the national level as well as mobilizing external funds.
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Annex 1. List of institutions and resource persons involved in the interview
SN | SECTOR | MINISTRY/ DEPARTMENT/ INSTITUTION/ |
1 | Government Departments | Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation |
3 | Government Departments | Agricultural Research Centre |
4 | Government Departments | Agriculture development projects, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation |
5 | Government Departments | The Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) |
7 | Government Departments | Agricultural Genetic Engineering Research Centre |
8 | Government Departments | Faculty of Agricultural, Cairo University |
9 | Government Departments | STDF - Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority |
11 | Government Departments | Galala University, Prima Foundation |
12 | Government Departments | Science, Technology & Innovation Funding Authority (STDF) |
13 | Regulatory Agencies | Biosafety department, Ministry of Environment |
14 | Regulatory Agencies | National Food Safety Authority, Rules regulating the circulation of genetically modified foods |
16 | Regulatory Agencies | Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs |
17 | Regulatory Agencies | NFSA TECHNICAL REGULATIONS FOR GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS |
18 | Research Organizations- Science Councils | International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) |
20 | Private Sector-Seed Companies and Associations | Bayer |
21 | Private Sector-Seed Companies and Associations | Fine Seeds |
22 | Private Sector-Seed Companies and Associations | Al Safa for agriculture development |
23 | Private Sector-Seed Companies and Associations | Edita company |
24 | Private Sector-Seed Companies and Associations | Corteva Egypt Seeds |
26 | Private Sector-Seed Companies and Associations | Pearl of Africa, Egypt |
27 | Private Sector-Seed Companies and Associations | Farmtopia company |
28 | Private Sector-Seed Companies and Associations | Modern Agriculture Co, PICO |
29 | Universities | Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University |
32 | Universities | Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University |
33 | Universities | Misr University for Science & Technology |
35 | Universities | Modern Science and Arts (MSA) university |
36 | Universities | Ain Shams University |
37 | Universities | National Research Centre |
38 | Universities | American University in Cairo |
39 | Universities | Desert Research Center |
40 | Universities | Desert Research Center |
41 | Funding. | Science & Technology Development Fund (Egypt) (STDF) |
42 | Funding. | Agricultural Development Project (ADP), |
43 | Funding. | Minister of Agriculture |
44 | Funding. | The Academy of Scientific Research and Technology (ASRT) |
45 | Funding. | International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) |
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