African countries are increasingly active participants in international governance processes that shape the development, regulation, and application of modern biosciences, including agricultural biotechnology, genome editing, animal biotechnology, One Health, and science communication.Through instruments such as the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety(CPB), the Convention on Biological Diversity(CBD), and other global and multilateral platforms, countries are expected to balance innovation with safety, sustainability, and public trust through functional, science- based regulatory and governance frameworks.
Global decision - making bodies such as the Conference of the Parties serving as the Meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety(COP - MOP), international scientific congresses, and specialized regulatory and policy forums play a critical role in shaping norms, guidelines, and policy directions.Decisions emerging from these platforms have far - reaching implications for Africa’s food systems, public and animal health, environmental protection, research investment, and trade in biotech - derived products. Without coordinated engagement, African perspectives risk being underrepresented in processes that directly affect the continent’s development trajectory.
ISAAA AfriCenter, working in collaboration with African Union institutions, national regulatory authorities, biosafety focal points, researchers, communicators, and strategic partners, supports coordinated African participation in international biosciences, biosafety, and One Health discussions.This support is delivered through targeted national, sub - regional, and continental preparatory processes, including technical briefings, policy dialogues, peer - learning platforms, leadership training, and evidence synthesis.
These preparatory and engagement activities aim to strengthen Africa’s collective voice by enhancing technical understanding of agenda items, harmonizing regional positions on priority issues, preparing delegates for effective participation in negotiations and global forums, and identifying strategic entry points where African experiences, data, and policy innovations can meaningfully influence global outcomes.Through this approach, ISAAA AfriCenter contributes to positioning Africa not only as a rule - taker, but as a credible and influential contributor to global biosciences governance.