Opinion: Strengthen Africa’s biotechnology sector to stem brain drain

The African region’s potential in biotech is attracting the attention of pharmaceutical companies, leading to a surge in collaborative efforts and research partnerships. It is crucial that we seize this momentum to stem a talent exodus and create opportunities in the scientific sector for health outcomes. Africa's rich genetic diversity has been the subject of increasing scientific interest, and genetic research conducted across the continent holds immense value for the entire world. Studies have shown that genetic variations among populations can significantly impact how individuals respond to drugs and treatments. However, most available genetic data comes from just three countries — the U.K., with 40.5%; the U.S., with 19%; and Iceland, with 12%, leaving a substantial knowledge gap regarding genetic factors in other populations, including Africans. By predominantly relying on research conducted on European ancestry, we risk missing out on crucial insights that could cover a significant part of the global population. The rise in healthy life expectancy in Africa has brought attention to the growing burden of noncommunicable diseases like cancer. These diseases are becoming major public health concerns in the region. In fact, estimates show that cancer cases in sub-Saharan Africa will nearly double over the next 20 years. Therefore, the need for precision medicine that tailors treatments and targets therapies based on sub-Saharan African ancestry is vital. Understanding the unique genetic makeup of sub-Saharan African communities can help us design treatments that radically change the range, nature, and scope of health care options. Investing in R&D In order to unlock the genetic information and make substantial contributions to understanding and treating NCDs, we need to invest in research and development on the continent. Regrettably, the funding streams supporting applied sciences have encountered various issues, both in terms of foreign investment and governmental funding. Foreign investment in health research has a troubled history, marked by inequitable and exploitative practices that impede research outcomes, while government funding is very low due to competing needs. Despite a 2007 commitment by African Union members to allocate 1% of their GDP to R&D, there have been minimal improvements by African governments to meet this target. In 2019, the continent’s funding for R&D stood at only 0.45%, starkly contrasting the global average of 1.7%. The lack of funding has resulted in an array of critical issues, but the most prominent one for me has been the loss of expertise from the continent as we fail to create an environment in which young, skilled professionals can flourish. A health talent exodus Although academic institutions in Africa have been vital in building local capacity, the true challenge lies in retaining talent. A lack of job opportunities within the scientific sector has led to a brain drain, with numerous skilled researchers seeking opportunities abroad. It is disheartening to learn that more than 23,000 qualified medical professionals leave Africa annually, resulting in the continent losing an estimated $2 billion annually in the health sector. Creating an environment where skilled professionals can thrive is essential and I believe the key to advancing Africa’s scientific revolution is to establish locally relevant and globally recognized enterprises that attract and retain top-tier talent. A sustainable African scientific ecosystem In pursuance of a sustainable ecosystem of scientific excellence within the continent, I have made a personal shift from academia to becoming a bioentrepreneur in recent years. In 2019, I co-founded Yemaachi Biotechnology, an enterprise based in Accra, Ghana, that nurtures homegrown talent to redefine how cancer is diagnosed and treated in Africa. At Yemaachi, we leverage advanced technologies like immunogenomics, bioinformatics, and artificial intelligence to build a comprehensive database on the genetic characteristics of African cancers and better understand the disease within the African population. By harnessing this data, we aim to build partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies worldwide, fostering the development of ethnicity-agnostic diagnostics and therapeutics for cancer. My vision is for Africa to play a significant role in oncology and genome research on a global scale. As a young company operating in a budding field in Africa, we confront several challenges in addition to the low concentration of specialized talent. These include high operational costs and logistical difficulties in procuring essential research resources including equipment and reagents. These resources are only available for purchase from abroad and subject to high import taxes from governments. Whilst further investment and support are undoubtedly necessary, I firmly believe that Yemaachi serves as an excellent example of cutting-edge science that is not only possible on the continent but can pioneer novel solutions for the rest of the world. Africa stands on the brink of a transformative scientific journey. The future of harnessing our genetic diversity to create groundbreaking health care looks promising. As economies in Africa continue to grow and political stability is achieved, there will be a flurry of increased investment in research and development. Now we must urge our governments to stay committed to their promises of investing in R&D for skilled African researchers to advance our biotechnology revolution and become a continent that retains the skill and expertise we cultivate.