Kenya to host international biotechnology conference as Africa pushes for stronger biosafety regulations

The National Biosafety Authority (NBA) will convene the NBA International Scientific Conference 2027 from February 1 to 4 in Nairobi, providing a platform for discussions on emerging biotechnology innovations, regulatory preparedness and regional cooperation.

The conference will be held under the theme, “From Innovation to Impact: Advancing Safe Biotechnology through Regional Collaboration, Regulatory Excellence and Knowledge Partnerships for Sustainable Agriculture, Health and Environment.”

It comes amid rapid developments in modern biotechnology, including genome editing, CRISPR-based technologies, gene drives, synthetic biology and artificial intelligence, which are creating new opportunities in agriculture, healthcare and environmental conservation while raising questions about safety, regulation and governance.

Participants will examine how African countries can strengthen their regulatory frameworks to keep pace with emerging technologies while ensuring that biotechnology applications are supported by scientific evidence and appropriate safety measures.

Key discussions will focus on biotechnology's contribution to food security and economic growth, climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, regional harmonisation of biosafety systems and financing for biotechnology research and development.

The conference will also explore opportunities for African countries to share scientific and regulatory information, strengthen institutional capacity and collaborate on technology transfer and responsible commercialisation of biotechnology innovations.

NBA Board Chairman David Wamatsi said the meeting would provide an opportunity to strengthen collaboration among scientists, regulators, policymakers and industry players.

“By bringing these stakeholders together, we can advance informed dialogue on safe biotechnology, strengthen regulatory cooperation and explore ways in which scientific innovation can contribute to sustainable development,” Wamatsi said.

NBA Acting Chief Executive Officer Ann Karimi said the rapid evolution of biotechnology makes effective biosafety oversight, scientific evidence and institutional preparedness increasingly important.

She said the conference would provide an opportunity to share knowledge, examine emerging regulatory challenges and build partnerships to support responsible biotechnology applications in agriculture, health and the environment.

Beyond scientific and regulatory discussions, the meeting will address public understanding of biotechnology, with dedicated engagements involving media practitioners, scientists and other stakeholders on effective science communication and public participation.

The organisers say accurate and accessible information will be essential in addressing misinformation and strengthening public confidence in biotechnology and biosafety systems.

The four-day event will feature keynote addresses, technical sessions, panel discussions, poster presentations, exhibitions and high-level policy discussions.

A dedicated session on partnerships and financing will bring together development partners and private-sector representatives to explore investment opportunities, capacity-building initiatives and collaborative approaches to strengthening Africa's biotechnology ecosystem.

The closing session will examine how education, research, policy and governance can be better connected to translate scientific knowledge into practical solutions that benefit society.

The NBA has invited researchers, universities, regulators, industry players, farmers, civil society organisations, development partners and media practitioners to participate in the conference.

The meeting is expected to contribute to discussions on the future of biotechnology in Africa, particularly the need to balance scientific innovation with effective oversight to protect human health, agriculture and the environment.