Breakout 3
|
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Aldrich 107

Unlocking the African Genome: Positioning the Continent as the Next Hub for Genomic Innovation

The African genome, one of the most genetically diverse yet understudied, holds immense potential to transform global healthcare. As the cradle of human life, Africa’s genetic diversity is key to understanding the foundations of humanity. Unlocking its secrets could lead to breakthroughs in disease treatments, drug development, and personalized medicine. However, realizing this potential will require significant financial investment, capacity building, and robust ethical frameworks to ensure Africa benefits from these advancements while preventing exploitation.

This panel seeks to answer the following questions: How can understanding the African genome save lives globally? How can Africa become a biotech leader in the genomic era? And crucially, what innovative funding models can be developed to support genomic research in Africa while ensuring equitable returns for African communities?

Unlocking the African Genome: Positioning the Continent as the Next Hub for Genomic Innovation

The African genome, one of the most genetically diverse yet understudied, holds immense potential to transform global healthcare. As the cradle of human life, Africa’s genetic diversity is key to understanding the foundations of humanity. Unlocking its secrets could lead to breakthroughs in disease treatments, drug development, and personalized medicine. However, realizing this potential will require significant financial investment, capacity building, and robust ethical frameworks to ensure Africa benefits from these advancements while preventing exploitation.

This panel seeks to answer the following questions: How can understanding the African genome save lives globally? How can Africa become a biotech leader in the genomic era? And crucially, what innovative funding models can be developed to support genomic research in Africa while ensuring equitable returns for African communities?

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Aldrich 107

Other Sessions

More Info
Breakout 1
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 112
Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within
African fashion thrives locally but struggles globally. This panel explores a resilient, uniquely African ecosystem beyond Western norms
More Info

Weaving the Future: Creating Africa’s Fashion Blueprint from Within

Despite flashes of global attention, African fashion brands often struggle to achieve lasting prominence. Too often, Africa’s fashion industry is measured against Western frameworks - fashion houses, fashion weeks, and global runways - that fail to align with the continent’s unique resources, market dynamics, and strengths like sustainability and local artisanship. This panel will challenge these conventions, exploring how African brands can forge a resilient and distinctly African fashion ecosystem by harnessing the talent, traditions, and opportunities already present within the continent, to create a model that thrives locally and competes globally.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 9:00 AM
Aldrich 112
More Info
Keynotes
Friday
|
4:00 pm
Klarman Auditorium
The Role of Research and Innovation for the Green Revolution in Africa
Hicham El Habti explores how research drives innovation, food security, and sustainable agriculture in Africa.
More Info

The Role of Research and Innovation for the Green Revolution in Africa

From traditional farming to cutting-edge technology, Africa’s agricultural sector is evolving. Hicham El Habti, President of Mohammed
VI Polytechnic University, will share insights on how research institutions are driving sustainable innovation, improving food security,
and bridging the gap between scientific breakthroughs and real-world farming solutions.

America/New_York
Feb 14, 2025 4:00 PM
Klarman Auditorium
More Info
Breakout 3
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Aldrich 112
Cross Over Borders: The Global Rise of African Sports and Gaming
This panel explores scaling Africa’s gaming and sports industries, investment, talent development, and global impact.
More Info

Cross Over Borders: The Global Rise of African Sports and Gaming

Africa’s influence in sports and gaming is on the rise, with exceptional talent reshaping global leagues and innovative gaming startups gaining international attention. This panel will explore scaling Africa’s gaming ecosystem, advancing sports infrastructure, attracting international investment, and the role of technology in connecting African gamers and athletes with global audiences. The discussion will also cover what it will take to foster talent development and empower youth to reach global prominence and position Africa as a global leader in sports and gaming.

America/New_York
Feb 15, 2025 3:45 PM
Aldrich 112