2025 in a glance
The year 2025 has been an impactful one for the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium (AGBC). We wish to extend our appreciation to all our members, partners, supporters and stakeholders across Africa and beyond.
Here are the highlights of key milestones executed in 2025.
The Second Global Congress on New and Emerging Genetic Biocontrol Technologies is one of the foremost events of the year 2025. The Congress took place in Accra, Ghana between March 17-20, 2025, bringing together experts from around the globe. The meeting presented an opportunity for technical capacity building and knowledge sharing to promote policy action in the sector.
The congress featured two days of pre-congress courses and two days of the main congress which included keynote presentations and plenaries from partners in the consortium, as well as scientists and science journalists. The Global Congress is a flagship platform of the Consortium, which aims at contributing to the body of knowledge and sharing learning across diverse disciplines related to genetic biocontrol technologies.
Shaping Africa’s Biotechnology Landscape through a regional strategy development
The Regional Biotechnology Strategy, formulated by the East African Science and Technology (EASTECO) is designed to guide the safe, secure and responsible adoption of innovative biotechnological tools and products. The experts are drawn from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi Somalia, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
https://www.genbioconsortium.africa/regional-biotechnology-strategy/
By incorporating safety throughout its biotechnology strategy, the East Africa Community aims to promote responsible practices in Africa. Once formulated, the Regional Biotechnology Strategy will lead to the establishment of the EAC Biotechnology Programme.
Amplifying Africa’s Voice in Global Biotechnology Discourse
In November 2025, the 17th International Society for Biosafety Research (ISBR) symposium was held in Ghent, Belgium.
The theme of the Symposium was “Cultivating Bio-Innovation for a Sustainable Future” and had combined keynotes and break out sessions, aimed at aim at creating awareness and advancing public understanding and support for bio- innovation, advancing community engagement in gene drive research.
The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium in partnership with the Gene Convene initiative, hosted a session at the
The session was led under the banner of the Scicom Forum, which was formed to advance communicating genetic biocontrol and biotechnology. The forum brings together journalists, scientists, researchers and science communicators.
The topic of the workshop covered communicating the science of Genetically Modified organisms (GMO) and emerging biotechnology tools. The session convened scientists, researchers, developers and science journalists to review experiences, explore barriers in science communication and share skills to overcome them.
https://www.genbioconsortium.africa/international-society-for-biosafety-research/
The ISBR aims to promote scientifically sound research that supports biosafety assessment by improving communication among scientists who study plants, animals and microbes using modern biotechnology.
The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) 2025
Delegates from 196 Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) convened for two weeks in Panama City, Panama from 20-30 October 2025, for key subsidiary body meetings on the road to COP17, the 2026 UN Biodiversity Conference. This was a significant convening given that only one year is left before the first global review of Kunming- Montreal Global Diversity Framework (KMGBF’s).
The 2026 stocktaking marks the KMGBF’s halfway point: four years into the KMGBF adopted in Montreal in 2022, with four years left to meet its targets.
Gene Convene Global Collaborative hosted a side event at the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice : SBSTTA -27 , to highlight key methodological aspects of risk assessment for living modified organisms. Of particular importance was those containing engineered gene drives. The event was co-hosted by the African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium.
https://www.genbioconsortium.africa/risk-assessment-for-living-modified-organisms-lmos/
History was made as the 13 World Conference of Science Journalists was held in Pretoria, South Africa in December 2025. The meeting called for increased vigilance and social justice to ensure that journalists continue to carry out the important work.
The GenBioWeekly: The nexus between Science and Society
The #GenBioWeekly is the newsletter highlighting developments in genetic biocontrol produced by the African Genetic Βiocontrol Consortium.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead into 2026, the growth for African Biotechnology and Biosafety can only be steeper. The African Genetic Biocontrol Consortium acknowledges the support of consortium partners, members, collaborators, the steering committee as well as the secretariat.
We look forward to an impactful 2026, where we commit to continue with the journey through providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among scientists, policy makers, journalists and the public. We look forward to sharing ideas and experiences critical to addressing Africa’s unique health and biodiversity challenges while advancing inclusive, sustainable solutions.