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

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Keynotes
|
Saturday
|
3:45 pm
Klarman Auditorium
Tech
Keynote | Harnessing Technology for Good
Join Fred Swaniker for a keynote on harnessing technology for good across the African continent.
More info

Keynote | Harnessing Technology for Good

Join Fred Swaniker, Founder and CEO of Sand Technologies, for a keynote exploring how technology can be harnessed as a force for good across the African continent, driving inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainable development.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 3:45 PM
Klarman Auditorium
Host
Moderator
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Breakout 3
|
Saturday
|
2:30 pm
Aldrich 110
Ecosystem Development
Affordable Housing in Rapidly Growing Cities
Innovative solutions for Africa's urban housing challenge.
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Affordable Housing in Rapidly Growing Cities

Africa's cities are growing faster than anywhere else on the planet, creating an unprecedented demand for affordable housing. This panel explores innovative approaches to financing, building, and governing housing at scale — from new construction technologies to creative policy frameworks — that can help African cities meet the needs of their rapidly expanding populations.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 2:30 PM
Aldrich 110
More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 110
Startups
The Next Frontier: Acquiring and Leading Businesses Across Africa
The growing opportunity for entrepreneurship through acquisition across African markets.
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The Next Frontier: Acquiring and Leading Businesses Across Africa

Entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) is emerging as a powerful pathway for a new generation of African business leaders to acquire, transform, and scale existing enterprises across the continent. This panel brings together practitioners and investors to discuss the unique opportunities and challenges of the ETA model in African markets, from deal sourcing to post-acquisition value creation.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Aldrich 110
More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 111
Culture
Owning the Value Chain: Building Africa's Beauty Economy
How African entrepreneurs are building world-class beauty brands rooted in local innovation.
More info

Owning the Value Chain: Building Africa's Beauty Economy

Africa's beauty economy is booming, driven by a new generation of entrepreneurs who are building global brands rooted in the continent's rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. This panel explores how African beauty founders are owning the value chain — from sourcing to manufacturing to distribution — and creating products that resonate with consumers worldwide.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Aldrich 111
Strong bonds

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