Global Leadership in Biotechnology: Italy and India Reinforce Commitment to Africa at ICGEB Board of Governors in Cape Town

Global Leadership in Biotechnology: Italy and India Reinforce Commitment to Africa at ICGEB Board of Governors in Cape Town

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Cape Town, South Africa - 18 May 2026 - The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), together with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) of South Africa, today opens the 32nd Session of its Board of Governors, bringing together representatives from 69 Member States to advance a shared vision: harnessing biotechnology as a transformative force for sustainable development across Africa.

At the heart of this year's session is a powerful reaffirmation of commitment by ICGEB's founding Host Governments - Italy and India, alongside South Africa - whose long-standing partnership continues to drive scientific excellence, international cooperation, and tangible impact across the continent.

From its earliest conception, ICGEB has embodied a model of global solidarity. In 2005, during a landmark visit to the ICGEB New Delhi Component, the President of the Republic of Italy joined Indian leadership in inaugurating a major new laboratory dedicated to vaccine research. This moment catalysed a broader international effort - strongly championed by Italy and India - to extend advanced biotechnology capabilities to regions most in need, particularly Africa.

That vision quickly gained global traction. The 2005 G8 Gleneagles Communiqué explicitly recognised the importance of establishing biotechnology capacity on the African continent, laying the groundwork for what would become the ICGEB Cape Town Component - today a cornerstone of scientific innovation and training in Africa.

Two decades on, that commitment is delivering results.

Through sustained investment, strategic leadership, and deep scientific collaboration, Italy and India have helped position ICGEB as a key driver of biotechnology advancement across Africa - strengthening research ecosystems, building human capital, and enabling countries to translate science into real-world solutions.

"ICGEB stands as a testament to what international cooperation can achieve," said Dr. Lawrence Banks, Director-General of ICGEB. "The enduring commitment of Italy and India has been instrumental in expanding opportunities for African scientists and ensuring that cutting-edge research delivers meaningful benefits for communities across the continent."

A Shared Vision, A Growing Impact

Today, ICGEB's work across Africa reflects the strength of this partnership:

• Expanding scientific capacity through initiatives such as BIOTECHNET II (2026-2029), supporting advanced training, laboratory infrastructure, and genomic surveillance across multiple African countries.
• Strengthening health security, including vaccine research and technology transfer, reinforcing preparedness for future pandemics.
• Advancing sustainable agriculture, with programmes delivering biofertilisers, biopesticides, and climate-resilient crop solutions to farmers across sub-Saharan Africa.
• Empowering the next generation of scientists, with fellowships, mobility programmes, and targeted initiatives to promote gender inclusion and South-South collaboration.

These efforts are grounded in a model combining research excellence, capacity building, and technology transfer to ensure that innovation translates into inclusive and sustainable development.

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation regards the ICGEB as a key strategic knowledge partner. The organisation was a significant knowledge partner during the South Africa's G20 Presidency last year, where we advanced critical dialogues on genetic diversity, bioeconomy, and inclusive STEM.

"This meeting represents an opportunity to reaffirm our shared commitment to positioning Africa at the centre of global biotechnology innovation. Through our enduring partnership with ICGEB, and alongside our founding partners Italy and India, DSTI remains dedicated to advancing scientific excellence, building inclusive research capacity, and ensuring that breakthroughs in the laboratory translate into tangible benefits for African communities," said the Director-General, Dr Mlungisi Cele.

The establishment of the Cape Town Component, following its approval by the ICGEB Board of Governors in 2006, marked a turning point in bringing advanced biotechnology closer to African researchers and institutions.

The centre has grown into a vibrant hub of scientific excellence, working in close partnership with governments, universities, and regional organisations to address pressing challenges in health, agriculture, and economic development.

Looking Ahead

As the Board of Governors convenes in Cape Town, Italy and India reaffirm their commitment to deepening collaboration with African partners and expanding ICGEB's impact across the continent.

With Africa at the forefront of global challenges - and opportunities - in food security, climate resilience, and public health, biotechnology remains a powerful catalyst for change.

The message from Cape Town is clear: through partnership, science can deliver lasting transformation.

About ICGEB

The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to advanced research, training, and technology transfer in biotechnology. With major components in Italy, India, and South Africa, and a network of over 65 Member States, ICGEB works to harness science for sustainable development worldwide.

About DSTI

The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) of South Africa is mandated to lead the creation, development and protection of knowledge and innovation to improve the quality of life of all South Africans and contribute to the African agenda. DSTI drives research, development and innovation across priority areas including health, agriculture, energy, and climate resilience, while championing inclusive growth through programmes that empower women, youth, and historically disadvantaged institutions.

Media Contacts:
ICGEB Communications Office: Suzanne Kerbavcic
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: +39-3405971692
Website: www.icgeb.org

DSTI: Julian Leshilo-Sebake

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: +27-060961 2194

Website: www.icgeb.org

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