Africa Harvest and NASAC, with support from CropLife International, are pioneering advocacy for gene editing technology to transform African agriculture. By empowering experts, shaping inclusive policies, and fostering stakeholder collaboration, this initiative drives sustainable solutions to combat food insecurity across the continent.
Africa Harvest and NASAC, with support from CropLife International, are pioneering advocacy for gene editing technology to transform African agriculture. By empowering experts, shaping inclusive policies, and fostering stakeholder collaboration, this initiative drives sustainable solutions to combat food insecurity across the continent.
Africa Harvest and the Network of African Science Academies (NASAC), with support from CropLife International, spearheaded a groundbreaking Proof of Concept phase to advance the practical application of gene editing (GE) technology across Africa. This initiative engaged Gene Editing Champions—experts and advocates—to reshape perceptions, moving beyond past controversies linked to Genetic Modification Technology (GMOs). By prioritizing strategic communication and policy advocacy, the project aimed to foster a science-driven narrative and create a supportive regulatory environment for GE innovation.
The initial phase focused on establishing a dedicated Working Group of 19 experts, dubbed the African Association of Genome Editing Professionals for Sustainable Agriculture (AAGEPSA). Through three capacity-building webinars (January–February 2021), knowledge gaps were addressed, and champions were equipped to lead outreach efforts. Key objectives included:
-
Shifting policymakers’ perspectives to enable favorable regulations for GE commercialization.
-
Facilitating stakeholder dialogue to drive public acceptance of GE for food security.
-
Strengthening champions’ expertise in science communication and advocacy.
In the second phase, the Working Group grew to 26 members, enhancing geographic representation across 25 NASAC-member countries. A series of regional webinars targeted four critical stakeholder groups—researchers, policymakers, regulators, and the public—to amplify advocacy. Highlights include:
-
20 Regional Webinars: Conducted across Eastern, Southern, Northern, Central, and Western Africa, engaging over 700 participants from diverse sectors.
-
Policy Briefs: Developed for stakeholders to guide GE adoption, regulatory alignment, and public engagement.
-
Network Growth: A robust database of GE advocates, including professionals from academia, government, and civil society, committed to advancing the technology continent-wide.
Moving forward, Africa Harvest and NASAC will deepen efforts to harmonize GE guidelines, accelerate technology transfer, and drive awareness campaigns. Key priorities include:
-
Strengthening regional collaboration for policy harmonization.
-
Expanding public-private partnerships to scale GE solutions.
-
Leveraging the African Gene Editing Champions platform to advocate for science-based regulations and agricultural innovation.
Why It Matters
With proven expertise in policy advocacy and agricultural technology transfer, Africa Harvest and NASAC are uniquely positioned to transform Africa’s food systems. By empowering local champions and fostering stakeholder synergy, this initiative paves the way for sustainable, homegrown solutions to food insecurity—ensuring gene editing technologies benefit farmers, communities, and economies across the continent.
Join us in shaping a food-secure Africa through innovation, collaboration, and science-led progress.