Cape Town, South Africa – The transformative role of South Africa’s Historically Disadvantaged Institutions (HDIs) in advancing scientific research and innovation took centre stage during the 32nd Session of the ICGEB Board of Governors, hosted in Cape Town by the ICGEB and South Africa’s Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI).
A dedicated scientific session highlighted how targeted investment in research capacity, infrastructure and international collaboration is enabling HDIs to address pressing challenges in agriculture, public health and sustainable development while strengthening Africa’s scientific leadership. The session also highlighted ICGEB’s Special Programme with HDIs, in partnership with DSTI, now entering into its second phase.
Among the featured presentations was the work of Prof. Charles Mutengwa from the University of Fort Hare, whose research explores strategies to improve grain crop yield potential in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. His project demonstrated how locally driven research can contribute to food security and climate resilience while directly benefiting farming communities.
Another HDI-led initiative was presented by Dr. Andrew Musyoki of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, who shared findings from research investigating antimicrobial pathogens in clinical and environmental samples. The project addresses growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance and highlights the critical role of African institutions in strengthening regional health security.
The scientific programme also featured presentations from researchers across the continent, including Dr. Cecilia Mweu of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology in Kenya, who showcased genome-editing approaches to improve cassava shelf life, and Dr. Addisu Fekadu Andeta of Arba Minch University in Ethiopia, who presented work under the B-INOC programme focused on transforming indigenous Enset-based innovations into scalable food solutions.
Delegates welcomed the increasing emphasis on research that delivers practical benefits to communities. Discussions underscored the importance of ensuring that scientific innovation translates into improved livelihoods, particularly in areas such as agriculture, food security and public health.
“ICGEB stands as a testament to what international cooperation can achieve,” said Dr. Lawrence Banks, Director-General of ICGEB. The achievements highlighted during the session reflect a broader commitment by ICGEB and its partners to strengthening scientific capacity across Africa. Through initiatives such as BIOTECHNET and B-INOC, the organisation supports advanced training, laboratory development, genomic surveillance, sustainable agriculture and technology transfer, while creating opportunities for young researchers through fellowships and mobility programmes.
For South Africa, the event also reinforced the strategic importance of HDIs within the national and continental research landscape. By fostering scientific excellence in institutions that have historically faced barriers to research development, these programmes are helping build a more inclusive innovation ecosystem capable of addressing local challenges and contributing to global scientific progress.
As Africa continues to confront challenges related to food security, climate change and public health, the contributions of HDIs demonstrate how investment in research capacity can generate lasting impact. The message emerging from Cape Town was clear: empowering historically disadvantaged institutions is not only strengthening science in South Africa but also helping shape Africa’s future as a global leader in biotechnology and innovation.
