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 2
|
Saturday
|
1:30 pm
Aldrich 107
Culture
Business of Fashion in Africa
How African designers are scaling globally while building locally.
More info

Business of Fashion in Africa

Despite flashes of global attention, African fashion brands often struggle to achieve lasting prominence. This panel brings together leading designers and fashion entrepreneurs to discuss how Africa's fashion industry can build on its unique strengths — local artisanship, sustainability, and cultural richness — to create commercially viable brands that compete and win on the world stage.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 1:30 PM
Aldrich 107
More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Spangler Auditorium
Finance
Rewriting the Rules: Rethinking Venture Capital in Africa's Next Decade
How venture capital is evolving to better serve Africa's startup ecosystem.
More info

Rewriting the Rules: Rethinking Venture Capital in Africa's Next Decade

The African venture capital landscape is maturing rapidly, with new fund models, deeper pools of capital, and more sophisticated investors emerging across the continent. This panel brings together leading VCs to discuss how the industry is rewriting its own rules — moving beyond hype cycles to build sustainable, thesis-driven investment strategies that align with Africa's unique market dynamics.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Spangler Auditorium
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
More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
1:30 pm
Spangler Auditorium
Geopolitics
Speculation, Truth, and State Capacity
Examining how effective governance and institutional strength can accelerate Africa's economic transformation.
More info

Speculation, Truth, and State Capacity

This panel explores the pivotal role of the public sector in fostering Africa's economic transformation through effective policymaking and institutional innovation. By examining lessons from across the continent, panelists will highlight how strategic governance, sound monetary policy, and strong institutions have laid the groundwork for thriving private sector growth and long-term prosperity.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 1:30 PM
Spangler Auditorium
Strong bonds

Africa Focused,


Globally connected

Interested in partnering with us?

Contact us