GEN-IMPACT: £10 million investment to advance African genomics and health equity
Wellcome is investing £10 million to establish GEN-IMPACT, a pioneering Africa-led initiative designed to transform health through genomic discovery.
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The African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC), hosted by The Science for Africa Foundation (SFA Foundation), and the African Bioinformatics Institute (ABI) are joining forces to close the human genomic data gap and harness Africa’s unparalleled genetic diversity to improve health outcomes.
Over the next five years, GEN-IMPACT will create a proof-of-concept genomics initiative demonstrating the scientific, health, and equity value of African genomics. The initiative will:
- Generate new knowledge by linking genomic, phenotypic, and environmental data from diverse African populations.
- Build capacity through training programs, infrastructure development, and data governance tools.
- Empower African scientists to lead discovery and ensure data sovereignty.
Dr Evelyn Gitau, Chief Scientific Officer at the SFA Foundation, said:
“With GEN-IMPACT, we are catalysing a truly Africa-led genomics platform that will amplify African voices, data, and institutions in discovery science and health equity.”
By leveraging APCC’s network of longitudinal cohorts and ABI’s expertise in bioinformatics, GEN-IMPACT aims to translate science into better health outcomes for African communities while also building capacity and expertise.
Prof. Nicky Mulder, Interim Director of ABI, added:
“Building Africa’s genomic future depends on training, infrastructure, and trust. This initiative ensures African data remains in Africa, serving African priorities.”
Why GEN-IMPACT matters
Africa’s genetic diversity holds untapped potential for global health research, yet remains underrepresented in genomic datasets. GEN-IMPACT is a bold step towards genomic equity - advancing science, improving health, and empowering African researchers.
Ekin Bolukbasi, Technology Manager at Wellcome, says:
“African genomes represent the highest level of genetic diversity on Earth and hold enormous potential for advancing discovery and improving health globally. But capacity isn’t just what we build, it’s who we empower to lead. GEN-IMPACT puts African scientists and priorities at the centre of genomic research, which is essential for equity and impact.”
Read more from Ekin on LinkedIn.
Rachel McKendry, Wellcome’s Executive Director of Discovery, says:
“We’re delighted that our support for the programme brings together three organisations, and long-standing Wellcome partners. This is an important milestone with GEN-IMPACT building on exciting momentum in African-led genomics, which will help to address regional health priorities and improve lives across the continent."
