By Eric Wamanji
I spend the last week of November hobnobbing with some of Africa’s finest minds in laboratory medicine. Such was a priceless privilege that gave me a front-row seat into the diverse discussions on Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) and genomics.
There is a quiet revolution shaping up in Africa’s health scene especially in the labs. Africans, it seems, are, in one accord, reimagining and bolstering public health- and forge the future -boldly. And it all begins with a vibrant laboratory regime. I will drop reflections in the coming weeks especially after my up-close with terrific folks from Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM).
But one development cannot wait- matters data and genomics.
See, lab experts across Africa can now share vital genomic data of pathogens on single, secure platform. This is after the successful launch of a landmark facility called Africa Genome Archiving for Response and Insight (AGARI) – a landmark facility seven years in the making.
AGARI, achived through the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI), maximizes shared sequencing data while prioritizing national control. In an era of rising threats like AMR and emerging pathogens like ebola, murburg, Mpox, this homegrown system embodies collective strength and innovation.
We always say data is the new oil. And now here, we have Africa make a great leap – aggregating its genomic data into one super platform. That’s a multibillion reserve. Data sharing among member states will fundamentally revolutionise how genomics is approached on the continent.
Listening to different experts on the sidelines of the ASLM Special Convention on Diagnostics, I came to appreciate the power of such a system. First things, Dr. Sarah Mwangi of Africa CDC opened my eyes. Africa’s capacity to handle genomics has blossomed exponentially. Generating and aggreggating data has now been made easier.
“In 2019, only seven countries had the capacity to carry out genomics,” she hinted over coffee one afternoon just before she recorded her conversation with Nelly Rwenji the Comms honcho at ASLM. Then by now, 2025? “Now 46 countries are fully enabled to perform genomics… and that is a big deal,” she beamed. This leap makes it one of the fastest scaleups.
Everyone wants AGARI
It explains why at the Integrated Genomics Surveillance (IGS) Annual Meeting which was held in Nairobi on the sidelines of the Convention, Dr. Mwangi was all upbeat. “I’d say there is appetite for it (AGARI),” she announced optimistically. “People are asking as to when are we going to start analysing the data…”
And, by every measure, genomics is a big deal. This is what Africa CDC observed: “Genomics is a vital part of laboratory systems, often described as the silent engine of public health – driving disease surveillance, outbreak detection, diagnostics, and universal health coverage.”
According to Africa CDC, this platform “will serve as a secure, continent-wide system for genomic data, enabling countries to share and analyse sequencing information for faster, smarter public health decision-making.”
Therefore, to Mr. Nqobile Ndlovu, the ASLM CEO, the platform “marks a defining moment for Africa.” He noted that now “our data, our science, and our sovereignty converge to power the next generation of public health intelligence. This platform embodies Africa’s ownership of its genomic future — transforming shared data into shared strength and driving innovation through trust, collaboration, and collective purpose.”
The rise of AGARI is a key milestone for Africa. It will enhance surveillance therefore faster response to outbreaks. Besides, it means that precision and personalised medicine will soon become a reality in Africa. Importantly, Africa will have control over its data. For so long, Africa’s data has been shipped to the West in what became to be known as “parachute genomics”. Now, those commercial entities of the West if they want data, they must negotiate. Hello big pharma?
Indeed, As Africa CDC’s Dr. Yenew Kebede hinted, aggregated, well-curated pathogen genomic data is an asset. It can attract ethical investment, fuel local vaccine R&D (look at what Rwanda and South Africa did with mRNA tech transfer) and eventually support precision medicine tailored to African genetic diversity.
By every metric AGARI is historic. It will be incredibly transformative. Now, here is why I owe it Ms. Rwenji, for extending the invite. The front row seat was invaluable.
Dear reader, thank you for taking your time. You can also be part of this conversation. We value your perspective.