Africa’s genetic data holds immense potential for global medicine, yet the continent contributes the least to the science that produces new treatments. This disparity is at the heart of Dr. Abasi Ene-Obong’s critique, as shared in Nigeria Health Watch’s Curated Conversations. Dr. Ene-Obong, a biomedical scientist and CEO of Syndicate Bio, argues that Africa’s exclusion from genomic research is both a scientific and strategic failure.
His perspective is rooted in his work, including co-founding 54gene, which focuses on sequencing African genomes to advance drug discovery. Africa’s populations are the most genetically diverse globally, yet they represent only 1.1% of participants in genomic studies, compared to 86% of European ancestry. This gap has profound implications for medicine and equity.
For instance, PCSK9 inhibitors, a class of cholesterol drugs, were developed after researchers in Texas discovered African individuals with a rare genetic variation that naturally lowered LDL cholesterol without health risks. This led to Repatha, which earned Amgen $2.2 billion in 2024. Despite the drug’s origins in African genetic data, it is not sold in Africa, highlighting a stark inequity.
Genetic diversity’s untapped potential
Dr. Ene-Obong, as quoted in the source, views this as “a failure of science and a failure of strategy.” He emphasizes that Africa’s genetic variation offers unique insights into biological pathways that could lead to new treatments. However, without local investment, this potential remains untapped. Reflecting on Africa’s role in human history, he notes, “Modern humans started in Africa. Africa is the most diverse. Our genes are just so rich in insights, yet we happen to have the least amount.” This imbalance, he argues, hinders global scientific progress and leaves Africans with less equitable healthcare.
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The exclusion of African populations from genomic research also poses safety risks. Without clinical trials that include African ancestry, drug developers lack evidence of how well treatments will work for these populations. This creates a harmful cycle: the less data Africa contributes, the less relevant its populations become in global drug development. Dr. Ene-Obong observes, “It’s funny because it should be the other way around.”
The issue has geopolitical dimensions. Nations like the UK and US treat genetic data as a national asset, with projects like UK Biobank and All of Us ensuring domestic research benefits. In contrast, Africa risks “mortgaging our healthcare data” for short-term gains, as Dr. Ene-Obong warns, potentially surrendering its sovereignty over biological resources.
Data sovereignty at stake
He draws a parallel between genetic data and minerals, emphasizing that value lies in processing and ownership, not just extraction. The COVID-19 pandemic showed this when Nigeria struggled to import testing equipment, while 54gene secured priority access due to Dr. Ene-Obong’s industry connections. “This goes to sovereignty, when you don’t have the tools you need,” he remarked.
Challenges begin at home. Many Nigerian medical schools teach molecular biology as a single, shallow module, and some genetics programs lack laboratories. During the pandemic, only five labs in Nigeria’s national network could test for COVID-19. Dr. Ene-Obong attributes this to insufficient funding for life sciences and research. As a result, Nigeria trains scientists who often leave for better opportunities abroad.
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Retention is a critical issue. Western countries, facing aging populations, rely on Nigerian health workers. However, Dr. Ene-Obong notes that a professor’s salary today is similar to what his parents earned in 1999, despite inflation. “Without better pay and incentives,” he asks, “how can Nigeria train the next generation of scientists and innovators?”
Partnerships and funding gaps
Public-private partnerships offer potential solutions. During the pandemic, Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) collaborated with 54gene, allowing the company to join the testing network, train scientists, and equip labs. This effort tested 10,000 returning Nigerians, demonstrating the power of collaboration. However, such partnerships have since stalled.
Financing remains a key obstacle. Dr. Ene-Obong highlights the need for early-stage public funding to bridge the gap between scientific ideas and private investment. Without this, Nigeria’s genomics ambitions will remain unrealized. He believes government must play a central role in building the necessary infrastructure and policies.
Dr. Ene-Obong frames the situation as a race for Africa’s genetic data, with global powers competing for access. He stresses that Nigeria must address its own weaknesses, from education to funding, to ensure it benefits from its genetic resources. By recognizing genetic data as a strategic asset, Nigeria can turn its science into medicines, jobs, and industry, safeguarding its sovereignty in the process.
