Gene Editing Technology: A Transformative Journey in African Science and Policy – A Perspective by Dr. Titus Obidi Magomere

One of the leading voices influencing the development of genome editing in Africa is Dr. Titus Obidi Magomere, an accomplished professor in Kenyatta University’s Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology & Biotechnology. Molecular genetics, plant molecular breeding, biotechnology, and biosafety are among Dr. Magomere’s areas of expertise. His involvement with the NASAC Gene Editing Technology Initiative has been a vital component of his developing academic and research endeavors and has resulted in noticeable advancements in both his research and teaching in biotechnology and genome editing. It has also improved his ability to plan and carry out research initiatives aimed at enhancing crops through the application of cutting-edge breeding technology. Notably, he is now able to interact more actively with farmers, students, and stakeholders around the region because of the expansion of his outreach efforts.

He points out that the development of knowledgeable, science-based communication platforms has been one of the initiative’s most significant results. These have made it easier for information on genome editing to spread throughout continental, regional, and local networks. He has communicated with important members of the biotechnology ecosystem, including developers, regulators, legislators, and business actors, thanks to these platforms. He says that this kind of involvement is essential to the responsible development of this technology.

Dr. Magomere emphasizes how the project has influenced policy discourse throughout Africa. He asserts that because genome editing provides a non-transgenic route to crop enhancement, regulatory approval is easier. The initiative has also supported science-led and innovation-friendly regulatory frameworks, helping to bring scientific clarity to this distinction.

But there are challenges along the way. He explained that the lingering distrust from past GMO (Genetically modified organism) controversies is a significant obstacle that has resulted in ‘associative inertia,’ a persistent hesitancy influenced by past controversies around genetically modified organisms. He continued that concentration on creating genome-edited traits that produce observable, significant outcomes, akin to the game-changing genes of the Green Revolution, is imperative if we are to advance.

Perception among the general public has been another major obstacle. He points out that, in contrast to pharmaceutical or medical biotechnology, agricultural biotech goods frequently don’t seem immediately relevant to the average customer. He contends that this can be resolved by immediately connecting gene-edited features to concerns about climate resilience and food security that have an instantaneous social and economic impact.

Dr. Magomere further emphasized how genome-editing adoption is hampered by the intricacy of research. Many communities find the idea of genome editing difficult to understand.  Because there is a significant knowledge gap on the operation of technology and the creation of its products, he proposes a straightforward and effective solution: “We must have transparent, fact-based communication sessions with the public, policy leaders, and community leaders with messages tailored to local contexts.”  He emphasized the importance of organized, open communication and cautioned that false information proliferates in the absence of such involvement, and we as society run the risk of losing the story to organizations with different goals.

The expansion of genome editing research is also hampered by financial limitations. Due to local and international funding being insufficient for this work, there is a need to show donors how genome editing can be used to address some of Africa’s most urgent problems in the real world.

He highlighted the necessity of morally sound, well-balanced regulation and continued that only a few point mutations – that could also happen naturally – separate genome-edited products from conventional cultivars. Africa must establish intellectual property frameworks that safeguard local communities’ rights and scientists’ rights, particularly against excessive commercial exploitation.”

Dr. Magomere has hope for the future and believes that genome editing will play a key role in enhancing production and yield in the fields of plant pathology, forestry, food crops, and perhaps animal breeding in the future. However, there is need for support by robust policy, transparent science, and inclusive community involvement.”

He believes that the initiative has set the stage for the future as he and the genome-editing Champions strive for societal change in addition to scientific advancement. This will entail valuing openness, fostering confidence, and ensuring that all parties involved, from farmers to regulators, are engaged at every turn.

His experience highlights the NASAC Gene Editing Technology Initiative as a paradigm for ethical innovation and policy engagement in Africa, in addition to being a scientific undertaking. His voice reflects the increasing demand for technology that is informed by both science and society, as well as for research that is both inclusive and innovative.