A biotech revolution – driven by Africa, for Africa

True innovation doesn’t happen in a silo. It’s the combination of experience, expertise —  and critically — collaboration. So if you picture the burgeoning field of biotechnology as a bunch of white coats in a laboratory, think again. Because biotechnology is much more than medical science — it sits at the very heart of the fifth industrial revolution that promises to reimagine Africa’s place in the world, writes Dr Siva Danaviah, Head of Programme, Faculty of Applied Science at Eduvos.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution ushered a seismic shift in how we think about science, technology, and sustainability. The next wave — 5IR — will be no different. Defined by AI and robotics, 5IR promises to reimagine everything from health to the environment and food security, as we continue to confront the challenges we face as a continent.

At the heart of this new age is biotechnology, a growing field that encompasses biomedical, environmental, agricultural, and industrial applications. And we, as Africans, are well positioned to reap the rewards of this remarkable opportunity—one that combines the power of biotechnology to drive economic growth and address the continent’s most pressing challenges. To achieve this though, we must train the next generation of scientists and bioentrepreneurs capable of creating homegrown solutions that are uniquely suited to Africa’s dynamic environments.

Empowering students through an interdisciplinary approach

As Africans, how do we effectively use our own talent, resources, and resilience to unlock this bright future?

I believe the answer fundamentally lies with empowering today’s students to become the scientists, innovators, and bioentrepreneurs of tomorrow. This requires an interdisciplinary approach to academia that equips students with the tools and skills needed to engage with the world’s most pressing scientific challenges, while bringing them into contact with industry leaders. When we consider the direction the world is heading in, it’s clear that our students will need to be agile, future-focused, and adept at crossing disciplinary boundaries, integrating diverse fields of study, from biotechnology to medical science, data science, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.

Biotechnology is no longer confined to the healthcare sector. We see this in the groundbreaking innovations taking place in areas such as plant-based meat, sustainable energy, and environmental conservation. The work being done in the Gobi Desert, where agricultural reengineering is revolutionizing China’s agriculture and food supply. As the impacts of climate change continue to impact us at home, its critical that we start to create similar innovations and sustainable solutions for our people, using the same cutting-edge biotechnology tools engineered abroad. This journey however, must be driven by Africa, for Africa.

Education requires going beyond the lab

Biotechnology goes beyond working in a laboratory. It’s about understanding the intricate connections between science, business, law, and social issues. In realising the importance of this multi-disciplinary approach, Eduvos’ Applied Science students in Gauteng and the Western Cape partner across various faculties, including law, commerce, humanities, and data science, to innovate and impact sectors beyond the life sciences. This echoes what we’re seeing broadly as an industry where bioinformatics and data science are revolutionising healthcare, enabling AI-driven drug discovery and molecular innovations. By reflecting this in our education environment, we’re preparing our students to bridge these worlds, equipping them with a diverse range of skills that are crucial for the jobs of tomorrow.

Claiming Africa’s place in biotechnology’s future

The biotechnology sector globally is projected to be worth trillions of dollars, yet Africa’s footprint in this space remains small. We must do more to nurture homegrown biotech companies, build manufacturing capacity, and foster collaboration with governments and corporates to create a sustainable biotechnology ecosystem. The speed at which the COVID-19 vaccine was developed and rolled out serves as a testament to the potential of biotechnology when global collaboration and innovation are unleashed. If we can do that in the face of a pandemic, just imagine the possibilities for addressing Africa’s food, health, and environmental challenges.

We must also prepare students for a future where biotechnology is at the centre of the fight for environmental sustainability, food security and longevity. From creating environmentally sustainable energy sources to developing life-extending medical treatments, biotechnology offers solutions that will shape our future. The work currently being done in Europe and the Middle East on sustainable energy, drinking water purification and agricultural innovation shows the vast potential for industrial biotechnology to revolutionise multiple sectors. We must ensure that Africa is at the forefront of, or at the very least, keeps pace with these innovations, developing solutions that are tailored to our unique environmental and economic challenges.

The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the power of biotechnology to shape Africa’s future is immense. Let’s invest in our students, in science, and in collaboration, to create a sustainable, prosperous future for Africa and the world.