East Africa Approves 10-Year Biotechnology Strategy to Spur Innovation and Safeguard Biodiversity

EASTECO’s regional plan (2026–2036) aligns with global agendas and harmonizes biosafety for equitable biotech growth.

Nairobi, Kenya – August 13, 2025

1. Lead: What Just Happened

Delegates from Kenya and partner states in the East African Community (EAC) approved a landmark 10-year biotechnology strategy spanning 2026 to 2036 during a validation workshop held in Nairobi. Crafted by the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO), the plan seeks to harmonize biotech policies across the region while fostering innovation, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring equitable access to biotechnology benefits.

2. Context & Background: Why It Matters

EASTECO—a regional EAC institution—is mandated to promote and coordinate science, technology, and innovation to support regional integration and socio-economic progress.

The strategy mirrors global and continental frameworks, aligning with the UN 2030 Agenda, Africa’s Agenda 2063, and the EAC Vision 2050, while incorporating international protocols such as the Cartagena and Nagoya agreements on biosafety and biodiversity.

3. Detailed Breakdown: What’s in the Plan

• Policy Harmonization: Establishes unified biotechnology regulations across EAC member states.

• Kenya’s Role:

  • NBA Contributions: Kenya’s National Biosafety Authority (NBA) plays a crucial drafting role. Acting Director Josphat Muchiri affirmed Kenya’s comprehensive regulatory framework—covering GMOs’ contained use, environmental release, labeling, and guided risk assessment procedures.

• Ethical Governance: Includes provisions for public participation, ethical debates around gene editing, synthetic biology, AI, and equitable benefit-sharing.

• Biosecurity Safeguards: Establishes regional standards to guard against misuse and biothreats.

4. Implications & Expert Perspectives

• Economic Gains: The strategy promises to boost regional trade, innovation, and public confidence in biotech.

• Leadership & Capacity Building: With Kenya at the helm, EAC countries can ramp up regulatory alignment and support lagging states in biotech adoption.

• Reputation & Integration: If implemented fully, this strategy positions East Africa as a global leader in responsible biotechnology development.

5. Related Developments

EAC’s broader ambitions in science policy include rolling out approaches such as the regional Bioeconomy Strategy and STI (Science, Technology, Innovation) policy frameworks.

Under the EAC Vision 2050, the region targets higher per capita income and development through strategic collaborative innovation.

6. What Comes Next

• Implementation Phases: A collaborative roadmap will guide the rollout across EAC countries.

• National Regulation Upgrades: Member states must align domestic biosafety frameworks with the new strategy.

• Awareness Campaigns: Public participation and trust-building processes will accompany the rollout.

• Monitoring & Evaluation: Ongoing stakeholder engagement will be key to ensure progress and accountability.

7. Closing Thought

East Africa’s new biotechnology blueprint signals a strategic shift—from fragmented policy landscapes to harmonious regulation and shared innovation. With Kenya spearheading the effort, the region now has the roadmap and momentum to unlock biotechnology’s vast potential—ethically, sustainably, and equitably.