By Milliam Murigi
Africa is taking bold steps to transform its livestock sector through science-driven innovation, as countries adopt genome-editing (GnEd) technologies to improve animal health, productivity, and climate resilience.
Speaking at the International Society for Biosafety Research (ISBR) conference in Ghent, Belgium, Dr. Margaret Karembu, Director of the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Application (ISAAA) AfriCenter, highlighted that Africa’s growing embrace of genome editing signals a new era for animal agriculture on the continent.
“Genome editing offers unprecedented opportunities to address long-standing challenges such as heat stress, disease outbreaks, and low productivity among indigenous breeds,” she said. “What is exciting is that several African countries are now developing clear, science-based regulatory pathways to guide these innovations safely to market.”
So far, seven African countries have initiated regulatory processes for genome-edited livestock, with Kenya making history as the first nation to issue a regulatory determination for a genome-edited animal — a heat-tolerant breed developed to withstand rising temperatures linked to climate change.
Dr. Karembu noted that many African regulators are now shifting toward product-based oversight, where the level of regulation depends on the novelty and risk profile of the resulting product, rather than the breeding technique used. “This approach is more efficient because it focuses regulatory attention where it truly matters — on potential new risks,” she explained.
The African Union Policy Framework for Genome Editing Applications is also helping to harmonize policies across the continent’s 55 member states. The framework provides a strategic blueprint for policy formation, regulatory mechanisms, and investment alignment a move expected to reduce duplication, improve predictability, and facilitate regional trade in livestock products.
Experts say the implications are significant: faster innovation timelines, clearer evidence requirements, and greater confidence among investors and consumers. However, Dr. Karembu cautioned that success will depend on effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
“Persistent misinformation continues to undermine public trust in biotechnology,” she said. “We must invest in science communication and create spaces for dialogue that connect scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public. Only then can Africa fully benefit from these transformative tools.”
Karembu urged governments and research institutions to align policies, communications, and investments to build a resilient, productive, and sustainable livestock sector. She emphasized that the One Health approach, integrating animal, human, and environmental health, will be key to achieving this vision.
