Africa’s biotechnology market is projected to grow from $73.4 billion in 2022 to $138.2 billion by 2030, according to the latest report from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). This growth reflects an expected annual expansion rate of 8.2% and highlights biotechnology as one of the key technologies capable of driving economic transformation, alongside artificial intelligence and blockchain.
The continent’s biotechnology industry is part of a rapidly expanding global market that is being fueled by advances in genetic sequencing, personalized medicine, and demand for innovative healthcare solutions. Within Africa, biopharmaceuticals account for the largest share of the sector, followed by industrial biotechnology, agricultural biotechnology, bioservices, and bioinformatics. Investor confidence in the sector is growing, with more than $500 million invested in African biotechnology ventures during 2023.
One of the most significant developments has been the rapid expansion of genomic sequencing capabilities across the continent. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, only a handful of African countries had advanced sequencing infrastructure. By 2024, more than half of African nations had established genomic sequencing capacity, greatly improving their ability to monitor diseases and respond to public health threats.
Technological advances have dramatically reduced the cost and time required for genome sequencing. What once required years of research and billions of dollars can now be completed within hours at a fraction of the cost. These improvements have enabled African institutions to expand disease surveillance efforts and strengthen local scientific expertise.
Countries such as Kenya and South Africa have emerged as leaders in genomic research and surveillance. Research institutions significantly increased sequencing activities during the pandemic, contributing valuable data for tracking disease variants, supporting public health responses, and participating in global scientific research networks.
The biotechnology sector is also helping stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation across Africa. Growing interest in genomic medicine, healthcare research, and biotechnology startups is attracting international investment and encouraging the development of local scientific ecosystems. The genomic medicine market in the Middle East and Africa is expected to experience particularly strong growth over the coming years.
Despite the positive outlook, significant challenges remain. UNECA highlights the need for greater investment in research infrastructure, laboratory capacity, workforce development, and regulatory systems. Access to funding remains a major obstacle for many biotechnology startups, while stronger policy frameworks are needed to encourage innovation and commercialization.
