In this insightful conversation with NKECHI ISAAC, the executive director of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation, Dr. Canisius Kanangire discusses the transformative potential of biotechnology for Africa’s development. He emphasises the critical need for national investments and strategic prioritization to harness this technology for economic growth and sustainability across the continent.
What’s the significance of the recent biotechnology meeting and its relevance to Nigeria and Africa?
This meeting was indeed unique, as it focused on biotechnology and its potential for development in Nigeria and across Africa. Over the past few days, we had sessions on various topics, exploring how biotechnology can drive progress in agriculture, the biotech industry, medicine and other sectors. What struck me most was the openness of scientists, policymakers and technology users to come together, discuss, and agree on how to leverage these innovations for the betterment of society, particularly here in Nigeria.
That sounds like a productive meeting. What were your key takeaways from these discussions?
My primary takeaway is that people now realise we cannot address current challenges with traditional tools alone. We need more diverse tools in our toolbox to tackle both existing and emerging issues. The commitment and willingness of everyone involved were very energising and this enthusiasm is contagious. There’s a shared goal to change the situation in a sustainable way. The foundation laid by various institutions is strong, and we want to build on it by transforming our knowledge, skills, and research capacity into tangible results, working with farmers, the pharmaceutical industry, and others to bring prosperity to this country.
You mentioned the need for more investment. Could you elaborate on the importance of national investments in biotechnology?
Absolutely. One of the key points raised was the urgent need for increased investment, especially from our own countries. We must realise that it’s our responsibility to fund these critical areas. National investments are crucial because they allow us to have sovereignty in choosing which technologies to adopt and what is most useful for us. Too often, we’ve relied on donors to support these areas, but they shouldn’t be the ones transforming Africa into the developed continent we all dream of. That responsibility lies with us, and the means must come from our treasuries.
It’s interesting that you see biotechnology as an engine for economic growth. Can you explain how this applies to Africa, particularly in agriculture and medicine?
For a long time, when we talked about engines of food security, we focused on fertilizers, mechanization, and pesticides. However, we haven’t emphasised biotechnology enough, even though it has the potential to address issues that currently require more pesticides and fertilisers. Biotechnology can transform seeds, enhance productivity, and increase production. It’s precise and reduces the time needed to achieve results, allowing us to leapfrog to the next level.
In the seed industry, for example, using existing biotechnologies like insect resistance and drought tolerance could be transformative. We’ve also seen biotechnology’s impact in medicine. The rapid development of a COVID-19 vaccine is a prime example. In just a year, we had a vaccine ready to protect people. This demonstrates how biotechnology can be a huge engine for economic development in Africa, just as it has been in developed countries.
You mentioned the rapid development of the COVID-19 vaccine as an example. How does this relate to Africa’s potential in biotechnology?
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role biotechnology can play in our world. The fact that a vaccine was developed in such a short time shows the power of this technology. In Africa, we need to harness this same power to drive our economic development. Just as the U.S. and Europe were able to quickly produce a vaccine and address the pandemic, we too can leverage biotechnology to achieve food sufficiency, improve health outcomes and stimulate economic growth. It’s about translating this potential into tangible results that can be seen and felt across the continent.
Finally, what steps should African governments take to ensure biotechnology becomes a central part of their development strategies?
Governments must prioritise biotechnology by investing in research and development, creating policies that support innovation and fostering collaborations between public and private sectors. It’s also essential to build awareness among the public and decision-makers about the benefits of biotechnology. By doing so, we can create an environment where biotechnology is seen as a key driver of economic growth and a tool for addressing some of our most pressing challenges. African governments must take ownership of this process and lead the way in making biotechnology a cornerstone of our development strategies.
I believe that with the right investments and commitment, Africa can truly harness the power of biotechnology to achieve sustainable development and prosperity.
