AI at the Frontier of African Genomics
The workshop opened with a powerful keynote address by Professor Mizeck Chagunda, Director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) and Chair of Tropical Livestock Genetics at the University of Edinburgh.
Delivering his address ‘Artificial Intelligence at the Frontier of Biodiversity Genomics and Bioinformatics across East and Central Africa’, Professor Chagunda anchored the symposium’s core theme, providing critical insights into how emerging AI technologies can be integrated into bioinformatics to accelerate the mapping of African biodiversity.
“Integrating artificial intelligence into biodiversity genomics is a transformative frontier for the region,” noted Professor Chagunda, emphasising that these tools are vital to building robust local capacity and driving AfricaBP’s long-term roadmap.
Driving Policy and Practical Excellence
Following the focus on AI, Day 2 hosted the 1st African Congress on Digital Sequence Information, which addressed the urgent need to strengthen African DSI infrastructures through targeted policy frameworks.
Policymakers and researchers discussed equitable data sharing and the governance of genetic resources across the continent.
The final three days transitioned from policy to intensive, in-person practical training sessions. Attending scientists gained hands-on experience in:
- Sample collection and preservation field techniques
- Molecular biology and high-throughput genome sequencing platforms
- Bioinformatics data analysis
Collaborative side sessions included an introductory phylogenetic workshop, ‘Bioinformatics without Tears,’ alongside specialised plant-breeding and conservation genomics tracks hosted at Partner institutions, including the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and the Mpala Research Centre.
A Unified Vision for the Continent
By bridging high-level computational science with hands-on laboratory skills, the workshop marked a major milestone in empowering African researchers to lead the continent’s genomic future.
Active participation by the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH) underscores our ongoing commitment to leveraging cutting-edge science and institutional partnerships to improve livestock resilience and secure biodiversity across Africa.
“It was a real honour to be invited to give a keynote address at this important event. Thank you to the East and Central Africa Regional Workshop, the organisers, and all participants.”
Professor Mizeck Chagunda, Director of the Centre for Tropical Livestock Genetics and Health (CTLGH)