Cape Town, South Africa, May 18: The 32nd Session of the Board of Governors of the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology opened in Cape Town on Monday, bringing together representatives from 69 member states to discuss the role of biotechnology in sustainable development across Africa.
The session is being hosted jointly by the ICGEB and South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation. The meeting focuses on expanding scientific cooperation, strengthening biotechnology infrastructure and supporting research initiatives across the African continent.
According to the organisers, the session also reaffirmed the role of ICGEB’s founding host governments — India, Italy and South Africa — in supporting scientific collaboration and biotechnology development through long-term partnerships and institutional support.
In a statement issued during the meeting, ICGEB Director-General Lawrence Banks said the continued backing from India and Italy had contributed to expanding opportunities for African scientists and strengthening research programmes across the continent.
The conference reviewed several ongoing initiatives, including BIOTECHNET I (2021–2025) and BIOTECHNET II (2026–2029), which focus on laboratory infrastructure, scientific training and genomic surveillance in African countries. Discussions also covered programmes related to sustainable agriculture, vaccine research, technology transfer and climate-resilient crop solutions.
Officials said ICGEB’s activities in Africa include work on biofertilisers, biopesticides and public health preparedness, alongside fellowship and mobility programmes aimed at supporting young scientists and promoting gender inclusion in scientific research.
South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation described ICGEB as a strategic knowledge partner and highlighted its role in scientific discussions during South Africa’s G20 Presidency last year, particularly in areas related to genetic diversity, bioeconomy and inclusive science and technology initiatives.
Director-General of DSTI Mlungisi Cele said the meeting was an opportunity to strengthen partnerships aimed at positioning Africa at the centre of global biotechnology innovation and expanding research capacity across the continent.
The establishment of the ICGEB Cape Town Component, approved by the Board of Governors in 2006, was described as a significant step in expanding access to advanced biotechnology research and training for African institutions and scientists.
ICGEB is an intergovernmental organisation focused on research, training and technology transfer in biotechnology. It operates major components in Italy, India and South Africa and works with more than 65 member states globally.
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