Jean KEBERE

Communications Specialist

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

Zimbabwe’s Seed Future Blooms Brighter!

Last week, Harare, Zimbabwe, became the hub of agricultural innovation! 🌱 Together with the National Biosafety Agency (NBA), we hosted a pivotal stakeholder capacity-building meeting focused on Seed Production Technology (SPT).

During the event, Professor Fanuel Tagwira, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development - @mhtestd, underscored the vital importance of this initiative. He remarked:

“It is important for Zimbabwe to embrace new seed production technologies and regulations that keep seed markets accessible, affordable, and flexible for local farmers.”

This vision guided the 35 brilliant minds in attendance—drawn from regulatory agencies, agricultural research institutions, government ministries, and expert advisors. This wasn’t just a meeting; it was a powerful stride towards enhancing Zimbabwe’s regulatory readiness for SPT.

Participants engaged in targeted technical capacity building, meticulously drafting science-based, risk-proportionate national guidelines that align with the highest international best practices. A special focus was also placed on empowering members of the NBA Board, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge to lead this vital transformation.

By strengthening our capacity in seed production, we’re not just growing crops; we’re nurturing food security, economic growth, and a sustainable agricultural landscape for generations to come.

#SeedProduction #ZimbabweAgriculture #AUDANEPAD #NationalBiosafetyAgency #FoodSecurity #CapacityBuilding #Innovation #SustainableAgriculture #MHTEISTD

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

🌍 Unveiling the Future of African Biotechnology! 🧬

Embark on a journey of discovery with the 2026 Biotechnology and Biosafety Status in Africa! The African Biosafety Network of Expertise (ABNE) has just released two updated new maps, offering an unparalleled look into the continent’s dynamic biotech landscape.

🗺️ Map 1: Navigate the intricate biosafety regulatory landscape across Africa. Understand the frameworks shaping innovation and ensuring responsible development.

🔬 Map 2: Dive deep into the world of biotech products, revealing what’s already approved and what’s actively under research and development. Witness the progress driving agricultural advancements.

These maps aren’t just data; they tell a story of growth, regulation, and potential. They are an essential resource for policymakers, researchers, and anyone invested in Africa’s scientific future.

👉 Discover the full insights now! [https://t.co/vtNM0CqQyV]

#AfricaBiotech #Biosafety #ABNE #Biotechnology #Innovation #ScienceAfrica #2026Update

[ABNE @NEPAD_ABNE]

Happy to share this first update of the year on @NEPAD_Agency's biosafety activities in the past weeks. Happy New Year 2026!
Link to the Update: https://t.co/eTWLf4hyKt

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

From Lusaka to Dakar, the COYWA journey continues.

Our HCID team has arrived in Senegal for Phase II of the 2025 COYWA Digital & Financial Literacy Programme—delivered with the Government of Senegal, AECID, and the Spanish Mission.

Earlier this year, Phase I brought 48 youth from 25 countries together during ISWA in Lusaka, followed by virtual training in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, business planning, innovation prototyping, and mentorship.

Now in Dakar, we’re building on that momentum through a blended model: e-learning + hands-on sessions, financial simulations, scenario-based budgeting, and storytelling rooted in community practice.

H.E. Amadou Tidiane Wone set the tone:
“This training is giving young African entrepreneurs the tools to lift our continent out of under-development.”

Director @SymerreGrey added:
“Share the skills you’ve gained so they multiply across the continent.”

COYWA stands on one belief:
Empowered youth build empowered nations.

#COYWA #YouthDevelopment #DigitalSkills #FinancialLiteracy #AfricaSkillsInitiative #Agenda2063 #AECID #Senegal #ISWA2025

[Jean KEBERE @JKeber]

RT @NEPAD_ABNE: Senegalese Experts Discuss the Best Ways to Harness the High Agricultural Potential of Genome Editing
Experts from Senegal'…

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

Our biosafety team is currently in Rwanda to support a biosafety regulatory system strengthening training workshop in partnership with the @RemaRwanda and the Agriculture and Food System Institute (AFSI) in Nyamata, Rwanda.

The Government of Rwanda, through REMA, is advancing biosafety regulation following the enactment of the new national biosafety Law and the approval of key implementing Orders. While significant progress has been made, operationalizing the system still needs to be completed, ensuring regulatory effectiveness, and building stakeholder capacity. Continued technical and institutional support is therefore essential to create an enabling environment for biosafety regulation.

Key biosafety aspects to be addressed during this workshop include International Norms and Guidelines for Risk Assessment and GM Plants, Food Safety Assessment, Risk Assessment, Staked Genes Technology, Data Transportability, and Biosafety Administration and Decision Making.

This activity strengthens regional and international collaboration and reinforces our technical support mandate, contributing to AU Agenda 2063 Aspiration 1 on inclusive growth and sustainable development.

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

🌍✈️ From East Lansing with purpose!

In partnership with Michigan State University, we’ve kicked off the 2025 International Agricultural Biotechnology, Biosafety, Technology Transfer & Commercialization Short Course at @michiganstateu in the USA 🇺🇸.

Running from 3–16 August, this immersive 2-week experience brings together 14 biosafety stakeholders from 8 African countries, united by a common goal: strengthening Africa’s capacity in biotechnology and biosafety.

Through dynamic discussions, expert-led sessions, and real-world field visits, participants are exchanging knowledge with their U.S. counterparts—and shaping the future of agricultural innovation on the continent.

#AUDA_NEPAD #BiotechAfrica #Biosafety #TechnologyTransfer #AfricaInnovation #GlobalPartnerships #Agenda2063

[ABNE @NEPAD_ABNE]

#Ethiopia is among the few African countries that have #genome editing guidelines and stacked traits guidelines. Link to download updated maps: https://t.co/rCEMW9FdCM…
@NEPAD_Agency

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

Empowering Decision-Makers for Safer Innovation in Malaria Control 🇧🇫🧬

In partnership with the National Biosafety Agency (ANB), our team is facilitating a capacity-building workshop on gene drive risk assessment and decision-making from 3–5 June 2025 in Loumbila, Burkina Faso.

This workshop brought together members of the National Biosafety Committee, a team of multidisciplinary experts entrusted with reviewing biotechnology applications and advising on evidence-based decisions. With Burkina Faso leading the continent in gene drive research, enhancing the committee’s understanding of both the promise and risks of this emerging technology is critical.

As gene drive technology gains global attention for its potential in malaria vector control, strengthening national capacities ensures that Burkina Faso remains at the forefront—applying global best practices to local innovation.

By investing in the scientific literacy and regulatory readiness of our institutions, we are not only safeguarding public health and biodiversity—we are also contributing meaningfully to Africa’s Agenda 2063.

#GeneDrive #MalariaControl #Biosafety #AUDA_NEPAD #Agenda2063 #InnovationForAfrica

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

Building Capacity for Safer Innovation: Gene Drive Training in Burkina Faso

Starting today until 5 June 2025, in partnership with key national institutions in Burkina Faso, we’re convening a technical training and capacity-building workshop in Loumbila, Burkina Faso, focused on gene drive risk assessment and biosafety oversight.

The workshop commenced with the first 2025 meeting of Burkina Faso’s national Integrated Vector Management (IVM) Platform—bringing together multisectoral stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and national ownership. These platforms play a crucial role in coordinating efforts for the responsible deployment of gene drive technologies to fight malaria across the continent.

This initiative forms part of our broader commitment to equip African countries with the knowledge and tools to safely harness scientific innovation in public health. The experience in Burkina Faso is expected to serve as a model for other African nations seeking to scale up integrated approaches to vector management.

According to the World Health Organization, malaria remains one of Africa’s most devastating health challenges. In 2021 alone, there were 247 million new cases globally, resulting in 619,000 deaths—95% of which occurred in Africa.

Through the IVM programme, we’re supporting the continent in leveraging emerging technologies like gene drive, not only to reduce the burden of malaria but also to accelerate progress toward healthier communities and the goals of #Agenda2063. @SymerreGrey @nardosbthomas

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

Honouring Partnership, Celebrating Impact

In a heartfelt moment during the IVM technical workshop in Loumbila, national stakeholders in Burkina Faso awarded us a certificate of recognition for its unwavering support through the Integrated Vector Management (IVM) Programme.

The certificate was received by the our team, led by Dr. Wiltshire Johnson, on behalf of our CEO H.E.@nardosbthomas and Mr.@SymerreGrey , Director of Human Capital and Institutional Development.

This recognition is more than a token—it’s a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose. Through the IVM Programme, we continue to support African countries like Burkina Faso in building stronger systems for health innovation, community safety, and sustainable development.

Such milestones reflect the spirit of Aspiration 1 of the African Union’s Agenda 2063: “A prosperous Africa based on inclusive growth and sustainable development.”

#Agenda3063

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

Strengthening Systems, Saving Lives 🌍

Today, in the heart of Ouagadougou, a vital conversation took place between our IVM team and Burkina Faso’s National Public Health Institute (INSP).

Led by Dr. Wiltshire Johnson, our Head of Integrated Vector Management (IVM), our team sat down with INSP’s management team to dive deep into the workings of their grant management systems. But this wasn’t just about funding flows—it was about creating stronger bridges of support for the country’s National IVM Network.

Why does this matter? Because the fight against vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue is only as strong as the systems that underpin it. By understanding INSP’s structures, we’re better positioned to ensure that the resources, training, and innovations needed to protect communities can move faster—and farther.

#Agenda2063 @nardosbthomas @SymerreGrey

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

🌾 Biosafety, Resilience, and Regional Unity in the Sahel 🌍

Our Integrated Vector Management (IVM) Programme team met with Dr. @moumkonate , Biosafety Policy Expert at @CILSSinfos—the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel—for a high-level dialogue rooted in science, policy, and partnership.

Dr. Konaté shared valuable insights on CILSS’s pivotal role within the tripartite alliance of @CILSSinfos , @ecowas_cedeao , and West African Economic and Monetary Union—a regional structure dedicated to harmonizing and implementing biosafety regulations that protect people, ecosystems, and agricultural systems across West Africa.

As climate threats grow and technologies evolve, ensuring safe and responsible innovation is critical. That’s why our commitment with @CILSSinfos is to joining hands—to align strategies, reinforce national capacities, and help Member States turn regional biosafety policies into actionable national frameworks.

This collaboration is more than a meeting of institutions—it’s a partnership for resilience, sovereignty, and sustainable development in the Sahel and beyond.

#Agenda2063

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

🤝 From Policy to Protection: We met UEMOA to Advance Biosafety & Vector Management in West Africa 🌍

In a time when health security and biotechnology governance are more important than ever, building strong regional alliances is not a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Today, our team, led by Dr. Wiltshire Johnson, Head of Integrated Vector Management, and Mr. Samuel Timpo, Head of the Biosafety Programme, met with Mr. Saidou Kina, Project Development Coordinator at the West Africa Economic and Monetary Union (@UEMOA_Officiel /WAEMU).

The focus? Deepening collaboration between our two institutions to better support Member States in domesticating regional biosafety regulations—while also aligning our efforts to strengthen integrated vector management systems across the region.

From ensuring safe use of gene drive technologies to tackling diseases spread by mosquitoes, this meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional leadership, aligned regulations, and shared responsibilities.

Together with @UEMOA_Officiel, we’re laying the groundwork for a safer, healthier, and more resilient West Africa.

#Agenda2063 @nardosbthomas @SymerreGrey

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

Curious about how far Africa has come on biosafety?

Check out the updated maps showing the status of #Biosafety frameworks and implementation stages across the continent. A visual journey through Africa’s biotech landscape.

See more or download here: https://t.co/om9w5lKWFC
#Africa #ScienceForDevelopment

[ABNE @NEPAD_ABNE]

#Zimbabwe Considers Using #Biotechnology and #Genome Editing for Agricultural Development.
https://t.co/7MAY2gr3zY

[ABNE @NEPAD_ABNE]

AUDA-NEPAD Supports Africa’s #biodiversity Priorities in UN’s Biodiversity Conference Discussions
Link to the full article: https://t.co/50qC06aoMl

[ABNE @NEPAD_ABNE]

Latest News on Key #Biosafety Activities Supported by AUDA-NEPAD.
Link to the Biosafety Update: https://t.co/EOKtni8MjQ

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

@NEPAD_Agency at #AfricaCOP
#Agenda2063
Our event with Egypt's Ministry of Environment starts at 11:30am AZT . Watch the proceedings live:
English: https://t.co/nCNgb3m59l
French: https://t.co/OmswhwPOwy

[AUDA-NEPAD @NEPAD_Agency]

Our CEO, @nardosbthomas, will be deeply involved at #COP29, participating in plenary sessions, ministerial meetings, bilateral discussions and side events. Her focus will be on advancing Africa’s climate resilience agenda in alignment with #Agenda2063. #ClimateActionAfrica #COP29Azerbaijan #AfricaPavillion