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
|
10:15 am
Klarman Auditorium
Finance
Keynote | Capital, Control, and Africa's Economic Agency
Join Moulay Mhamed Elalamy and Tope Lawani for a keynote exploring capital, control, and Africa's economic agency.
More info

Keynote | Capital, Control, and Africa's Economic Agency

Join Moulay Mhamed Elalamy, CEO of Saham Group, Tope Lawani, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners, and Yvonne Ike, Managing Director, Head of Sub Saharan Africa, Bank of America for a keynote exploring the dynamics of capital, control, and economic agency across the African continent.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 10:15 AM
Klarman Auditorium
More Info
Breakout 1
|
Saturday
|
9:00 am
Aldrich 107
Finance
Solving Real Problems at Scale: What it Takes to Build FinTech in Africa
Exploring the opportunities and challenges facing fintech builders across the African continent.
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Solving Real Problems at Scale: What it Takes to Build FinTech in Africa

This panel brings together leading fintech entrepreneurs and investors to explore what it really takes to build and scale financial technology platforms across Africa. From navigating regulatory complexity to unlocking new markets, panelists will share hard-won insights on the strategies driving the next wave of African fintech innovation and financial inclusion.

America/New_York
Mar 28, 2026 9:00 AM
Aldrich 107
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.
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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
|
Friday
|
6:15 pm
Aldrich 107
Geopolitics
Uganda Between Potential and Execution: Inter-Ministerial Panel
Examining Uganda's path from potential to execution through inter-ministerial collaboration.
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Uganda Between Potential and Execution: Inter-Ministerial Panel

This inter-ministerial panel explores how Uganda is navigating the path from potential to execution, examining the role of government leadership in driving innovation, technology, and economic transformation. Featuring senior government officials, the session offers insights into how African nations can build institutional capacity and strategic partnerships to accelerate development.

America/New_York
Mar 27, 2026 6:15 PM
Aldrich 107
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