Keypoints:
- Africa’s DNA diversity is vastly under-studied
- Scientists say it holds keys to global health
- Local projects aim to close the data gap
AFRICAN scientists are warning that the world is missing crucial medical insights by failing to include African populations in genome sequencing research. According to a report by RFI, les
s than 2 percent of human genome sequencing data comes from Africa—despite the continent having the most genetically diverse populations on the planet.
At the recent Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) summit in Durban, South Africa, diversity was the buzzword. Yet researchers highlighted a stark contradiction: while genetic diversity is essential for understanding human health, Africa remains largely invisible in global genomic databases.
‘If we don’t know the key genes for diagnosing diseases in African populations, we can’t provide proper care,’ said Cameroonian geneticist Ambroise Wonkam, president of the African Society of Human Genetics. ‘We’re forced to rely on data that doesn’t reflect our people.’
Data gap blocks diagnosis and treatment
Wonkam shared a personal example: in Switzerland, a gene test helped explain the cause of deafness in 50 percent of patients. But when he ran the same test on Cameroonian and South African children, it revealed nothing.
Congolese professor Aimé Lumaka, based at the University of Kinshasa, added that many African patients go undiagnosed because their genetic profiles don’t match the limited data available. ‘We just don’t know what certain genetic patterns mean because the reference points don’t exist,’ he explained.
This missing data doesn’t only affect Africans—it holds back global science. For instance, a major cholesterol-lowering drug was developed thanks to studying an African population with naturally low cholesterol levels.
Why African DNA matters more
While all humans share over 99.9 percent of their DNA, the remaining variations matter—and Africa holds the greatest range of them. Michèle Ramsay, a South African geneticist, explained that people from West Africa can be more genetically distinct from East Africans than Europeans are from East Africans.
‘So we can’t treat African DNA as one homogenous block,’ Ramsay said. ‘We need detailed, region-specific data to truly understand global health.’
Local projects rising, but still underfunded
Genome sequencing is faster and cheaper than ever, dropping from $2bn in 2001 to under $1,000 today. Still, African-led projects often lack funding. One promising initiative—H3Africa—backed 50 research efforts with $176 million over 10 years but has since ended.
In South Africa, scientists have launched a new national project to sequence 10,000 genomes, eventually targeting 110,000 people. Nigeria is also gathering samples for a similar study. These projects are being led by local researchers, pushing back against so-called “helicopter research” where foreign
scientists collect data and disappear without investing in local capacity.
Deborah Ekusai Sebatta of Uganda’s Makerere University emphasised the need for trust: ‘Too often, African researchers and communities are left feeling exploited.’
A bold vision: 10 sequencing centres, 3 million genomes
To truly address the imbalance, Wonkam and colleagues Nicola Mulder (University of Cape Town) and Christian Happi (Redeemer University, Nigeria) aim to open 10 sequencing centres across Africa over the next decade, each with a $10 million annual budget.
Their goal? Sequence 300,000 genomes to start—with the long-term vision of analysing 3 million to reflect the full diversity of Africa.
However, the planned coordination hub in Rwanda could prove controversial due to its involvement in ongoing conflicts in eastern DR Congo.
Chronic diseases and virus resistance
African genome research is already showing promise in key areas like sickle cell anaemia, diabetes, and even HIV. Veron Ramsuran, a South African scientist, said some individuals naturally suppress HIV without treatment. ‘We’re studying which genes help them do that—it could lead to new ways of fighting the virus.’
Despite progress, experts caution that gene
discoveries take time to turn into treatments. Philippe Froguel, a professor at Imperial College London, found a gene linked to obesity in 1998—but a drug based on that finding only hit the market three years ago.
As non-communicable diseases rise in Africa and the global health landscape evolves, scientists agree: Africa must not be left behind.
Despite funding setbacks and political complications, Africa
n researchers remain determined to lead the continent into the era of precision medicine. Their message is clear—Africa’s DNA doesn’t just matter for Africans. It matters for everyone.
