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 3
|
Saturday
|
2:30 pm
Aldrich 111
Culture
Marketing, Management, and Representation in African Sports
How Africa's athletes and sports leaders are building global brands and industries.
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Marketing, Management, and Representation in African Sports

African athletes are capturing the world's attention, but the business infrastructure behind them is still being built. This panel explores how marketing, management, and representation in African sports are evolving — from athlete branding and endorsement deals to league development and media rights — and what it will take to build a thriving, African-owned sports industry.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 2:30 PM
Aldrich 111
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 2
|
Fireside Chat
Friday
|
6:15 pm
Spangler Auditorium
Culture
In Conversation with Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe: Leadership and Legacy
A fireside conversation with the founder of African Fashion International.
More info

In Conversation with Dr. Precious Moloi-Motsepe: Leadership and Legacy

Join Precious Moloi-Motsepe, Founder of African Fashion International, for an intimate fireside conversation about her journey building one of the continent's most influential fashion platforms. From championing emerging African designers to staging Africa's premier fashion weeks, Motsepe shares her vision for the creative economy as a driver of economic growth and cultural pride across the continent.

America/New_York
Mar 27, 2026 6:15 PM
Spangler Auditorium
Host
Moderator
Ebehi Iyoha
More Info
Specials
|
Saturday
|
4:20 pm
Klarman Auditorium
Diverse
Faculty Address: Hakeem Belo-Osagie
A faculty address by Hakeem Belo-Osagie at the 28th Annual Africa Business Conference.
More info

Faculty Address: Hakeem Belo-Osagie

Join Hakeem Belo-Osagie for a faculty address at the 28th Annual Africa Business Conference at Harvard Business School.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 4:20 PM
Klarman Auditorium
Host
Moderator
Strong bonds

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