Africa is at a pivotal moment in its journey toward sustainable development, with healthcare and biotechnology emerging as two of the most promising forces for transformation. Historically, the continent has faced complex health challenges—ranging from infectious diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS to emerging non-communicable diseases, compounded by limited healthcare infrastructure. However, advances in biotechnology and an evolving healthcare sector offer new avenues for change, providing innovative and scalable solutions. These fields improve health outcomes and contribute to economic growth, job creation, and long-term resilience across Africa.
“Mobile technology has enabled rural populations to consult with healthcare providers, receive diagnoses, and access health information, reducing the distance barrier to quality care.”
1. Addressing health challenges through biotechnology
Biotechnology plays a crucial role in addressing Africa’s unique health challenges by enabling the development of more effective diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. Diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV have disproportionately affected African populations. Biotechnology has enabled the development of vaccines like RTS and S for malaria, which have shown promising results and offer new hope for reducing malaria cases and deaths, especially among children.
In addition to tackling infectious diseases, biotechnology is helping to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer. Through genetic research and personalised medicine, African scientists are beginning to understand the genetic basis of these diseases within local populations, paving the way for more effective treatments. For instance, African biotechnologists are exploring genomic research to tailor treatments specific to African genetic profiles, which could revolutionise the management of NCDs.
2. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure and access
A well-functioning healthcare infrastructure is essential for any country’s development. However, much of Africa still suffers from inadequate health facilities, low numbers of healthcare professionals, and insufficient access to primary care. The healthcare sector is expanding to address these gaps, with investments from both governments and private sector actors. Initiatives such as telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) are helping bridge the healthcare access gap, particularly in remote and underserved regions. Mobile technology has enabled rural populations to consult with healthcare providers, receive diagnoses, and access health information, reducing the distance barrier to quality care.
The African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Africa Health Transformation Strategy aim to achieve universal health coverage and improve health infrastructure across the continent. These initiatives support the development of healthcare facilities, increase the training and retention of healthcare workers, and promote the adoption of digital health solutions to streamline patient care.
3. Catalysing economic growth and job creation
Healthcare and biotechnology have substantial economic implications beyond improving health. Both sectors contribute to job creation, economic growth, and innovation. Biotechnology, in particular, has spurred the development of Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing industry, reducing dependency on imported medications and allowing countries to produce affordable, high-quality drugs locally. South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria have made significant strides in pharmaceutical production, boosting local economies and strengthening national healthcare systems.
Moreover, the biotechnology sector is creating highly skilled jobs in research, development, and production, fostering a new generation of African scientists, technicians, and healthcare professionals. These sectors also encourage entrepreneurship as biotechnology and healthcare technology start-ups emerge to meet the growing demand for innovative solutions. By investing in healthcare and biotechnology, African countries can diversify their economies, reduce unemployment, and create high-quality jobs, ultimately building a more resilient economic base.
Read also: Why progress in healthcare will be difficult without clinical pharmacists, by Ikeme
4. Promoting research and innovation
Healthcare and biotechnology drive scientific innovation, positioning Africa as a significant global medical and scientific research contributor. African researchers are increasingly involved in groundbreaking work in epidemiology, virology, and genetics, with substantial projects focusing on diseases that disproportionately affect African populations. Centres like the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID) in Nigeria are conducting globally relevant and locally impactful research, advancing our understanding of diseases like Ebola, Lassa fever, and COVID-19.
The establishment of African-led research institutions and partnerships with international bodies is helping to cultivate local expertise and foster a culture of innovation. This focus on research not only enhances healthcare but also contributes to Africa’s intellectual and scientific independence. African researchers are building databases, developing localised treatment protocols, and pioneering medical technologies that respond directly to the needs of their communities.
5. Enhancing food security and agricultural biotechnology
Beyond healthcare, biotechnology is also transforming agriculture, critical to Africa’s economy and food security. Agricultural biotechnology has introduced innovations like genetically modified crops resistant to drought, pests, and disease, helping to secure food supply in regions prone to climate variability. These biotechnological solutions allow African farmers to improve crop yields, reduce losses, and increase income, directly impacting the well-being of millions of people.
In addition to genetically modified crops, biotechnology has enabled the development of biofortified crops rich in essential vitamins and nutrients, addressing malnutrition and promoting better health outcomes. For instance, biofortified crops like vitamin A-enriched maize and iron-rich beans have been introduced in various African countries, helping to combat micronutrient deficiencies and improve public health.
6. Building resilience against health crises
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of solid healthcare systems and the capacity for rapid response to health crises. Africa’s experience with the pandemic demonstrated its healthcare systems’ vulnerabilities and resilience. Many African countries quickly mobilised resources, developed testing capabilities, and implemented public health measures to manage the spread of the virus. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of biotechnology, with African scientists contributing to vaccine development, genomic sequencing, and testing innovations.
Africa’s growing biotechnology sector has the potential to strengthen its response to future health crises, allowing countries to develop and produce vaccines and treatments locally. Investing in biotechnology enables African nations to reduce dependency on foreign supplies, improve pandemic preparedness, and protect their populations from future outbreaks. Furthermore, the capacity for local vaccine production, as demonstrated in countries like Senegal and South Africa, underscores the critical role of biotechnology in enhancing national and continental health security.
7. The path forward: Policy and investment
Realising the transformative potential of healthcare and biotechnology in Africa requires supportive policies and significant investment. Governments must prioritise funding for healthcare infrastructure, research institutions, and innovation hubs to build a foundation for growth. Policies encouraging private investment, public-private partnerships, and international collaboration are essential to mobilise resources and expertise.
International organisations, private investors, and development banks are critical in supporting healthcare and biotechnology in Africa. The African Development Bank, for example, has invested in healthcare projects that improve access to care and advance technological innovation. A collaborative approach involving governments, the private sector, and international stakeholders can create a thriving ecosystem that drives sustainable growth in healthcare and biotechnology.
Conclusion
Healthcare and biotechnology represent two of the most impactful sectors for Africa’s transformation, offering solutions to longstanding health challenges while unlocking economic potential. Through biotechnology, Africa can tackle its most pressing diseases, enhance food security, and build resilient healthcare systems. African countries can position themselves at the forefront of scientific advancement and human development by strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting research, and fostering an environment that encourages innovation.
Healthcare and biotechnology can become pillars of progress across the continent with timely investment, supportive policies, and collaboration. They promise better health, economic resilience, and scientific independence for Africa, creating a brighter future for millions of people and setting a global example of sustainable development.
Professor Lere Baale is the Chief Executive of Business School Netherlands International in Nigeria and the Regional Partner of HOWES – CMOE Inc. USA for Africa & the Middle East. A passionate expert in Agile Digital Transformation and AI, he specialises in EduTech and Digital Health to drive transformative change.
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