PlantGENE Report on Panel Discussion: Advancing Plant Biotechnology in Africa
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Date
2025
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Springer
Abstract
This report provides an overview of the content and data collected from the “Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities
Plant Transformation Research in Africa” panel discussion. Organized by PlantGENE, this event brought together scientists
and stakeholders across the globe to examine the complex challenges and emerging opportunities in plant transformation
research in laboratories across Africa. The discussion, rooted in insights from a panel of six leading scientists, highlights
critical issues including restrictive regulatory environments, prohibitive costs, and the inconsistent availability of essential
research materials. Additionally, the pervasive “brain drain” phenomenon, where skilled researchers leave the continent for
better opportunities, exacerbates the difculties faced by African scientists. Despite these challenges, the report also identifes signifcant advancements, particularly in the growing recognition of African leadership within universities and national
agricultural research systems (NARS). These institutions, supported by highly skilled faculty and motivated graduate students,
are producing high-quality research that contributes to global scientifc knowledge. The panelists emphasized the necessity of
creating an environment that encourages African scientists to remain on the continent and address local challenges through
innovative research. Strengthening intra-African networks and fostering collaborations with the global scientifc community
are proposed as essential strategies to achieve this. This report underscores the critical need for substantial investments from
both global and African organizations, working with African governments, to support these eforts. Furthermore, it calls
for science-based decision-making and fair regulatory frameworks to align with unique opportunities and risks associated
with technological advancements in Africa. This paper details the observations of six panelists and analyzes the results of
attendee surveys in order to document these challenges and opportunities while advocating for sustained investment and
strategic partnerships to build a thriving bioeconomy across Africa.
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Malzahn, Aimee A., et al. "PlantGENE report on panel discussion: advancing plant biotechnology in Africa." In Vitro Cellular & Developmental Biology-Plant (2025): 1-10.