Africa Harvest and NASAC with funding from CropLife International implemented a pioneering Proof of Concept phase, in which Gene Editing Champions or Experts were engaged to advocate for this technology for practical application. Communication and Policy Advocacy were key to change the narrative of Gene Editing Technology from the previous experiences with Genetic Modification Technology (GMO). Africa Harvest and NASAC also established the status of the Champions, identified knowledge gaps, and reinforced the commitment of champions for Gene Editing technology by creating a Working Group of experts.

The overall goal of this first phase was to form and empower a group of influencers to champion the adoption of gene editing technology that will contribute to food security in Africa. The aim was to influence policymakers to create a supportive regulatory environment for the development and commercialisation of gene editing technology products. The proof-of-concept stage provided a platform for dialogue among relevant stakeholders, who would build public support and acceptance for the utilization of gene editing technology to improve food security in Africa. Through a Call to participate, 19 qualified experts were identified and recruited to constitute the Working Group.  Thereafter, three webinars were held on 27^th January 2021, 3^rd and 10^th February 2021 to determine knowledge gaps and enhance communication and outreach capacities of the GETI champions. The Working Group formally adopted the name: AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF GENOME EDITING PROFESSIONALS FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE.

In the second phase of the project, seven (7) more Gene editing Technology champions were added to the group and integrated into the GETI team totalling to 26, expanding them both in expertise and geographic representation to cover 25 NASAC Countries in Africa. To better provide an advocacy platform for the adoption of gene editing technology in Africa and to better become the ‘voice’ of gene editing technology in Africa and beyond, the champions’ capacities and knowledge gaps were identified during the formative series of webinars, and thereafter, a team of experts were engaged to make presentations, to increase capacities and to fill knowledge gaps identified in gene editing technology initiative.

GETI champions were given the tasks of completing Gene editing technology Policy briefs targeting the 4 stakeholder groups, Research, Policy, Regulators & Public, as well as leading the five Regional Webinars targeting; Eastern Africa, Southern Africa, Northern Africa, Central Africa & Western Africa, aiming to reach the 4 stakeholder groups namely Research, Policy Regulatory & Public in total 20 Webinars.

The GETI project team held a total of 12 webinars in East Africa, West Africa, North Africa and Central Africa. Through these webinars, the project was able to bring together a growing database and network of over 700 highly qualified practicing Gene Editing Technology participants from the four target audiences of Researchers, Regulators, Policy makers and the Public Group in the five regions of Africa (East, Central, North, West, and SADC)and beyond; they are all motivated and ready to promote and be the voice of the technology in Africa.

In the third phase of the project, Africa Harvest and NASAC will continue to improve and expand the current work with Gene Editing Technology Champions. The GETI project’s focus has been to empower the working group of African Gene Editing Champions to raise awareness and advocate for the adoption and utilization of Gene Editing Technology to improve food security in Africa.   Both Africa Harvest and NASAC have the requisite capacities and capabilities to support the creation of enabling environment using policy advocacy and communication for agricultural technologies transfer and adoption for sustainable development, using the new platform of the African Gene Editing Champions. In reference to the gene editing technology initiative, the project aims to achieve more in creating an enabling environment in areas such as regional harmonization of guidelines, relevant technology transfers and creating awareness for technology adoption, in synergy with broad spectrum of stakeholders.