The African Biotech Plan

2007 was designated as Africa’s “Year of Scientific Innovation”. It also marked the adoption of a 20-year biotech plan for the continent. African leaders subsequently agreed to take a continental approach on biotech and biosafety by committing themselves to the recommendations of the African Union's High Level Panel on Modern Biotechnology (APB). A paper published by Nature Biotechnology presents updates on the African biotech initiative.

Most African countries are suspicious of GM food technology and research, as most of their information is sourced from misgivings of prominent politicians. To this end, APB has recommended building public awareness in biotech. Awareness on modern biotech may help build the public’s confidence and influence the extent to which African countries adopt the technology. They specifically mentioned South Africa's efforts to establish biotech awareness among its citizens, as it may prove illuminative to other African countries.

The authors concluded that African leaders must act quickly on the APB recommendations if they want to realize the 20-year biotech plan. It is also necessary for the countries to establish their own biotech regulatory regimes, so as to provide a nurturing environment for biotech initiatives.

The full article is available to subscribers at http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v26/n3/full/nbt0308-272.html