On 29 July, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) officially launched the African Genomics Centre in Cape Town with support from MGI. The facility marks the first high-throughput genome sequencing centre in Africa.
The MGI genetic sequencer MGISEQ-2000 has been successfully installed, assembled and tested. It will provide robust technical support for this state-of-the-art research facility, advancing genomics science and enabling personalised medicine tailored to Africa’s diverse genetic landscape.
SAMRC President and CEO, Professor Glenda Gray, stated that the African Genomics Centre will significantly strengthen the country’s capacity to sequence, analyse and store human genomes, positioning South Africa at the forefront of a new era in medical research. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of SAMRC, the centre’s opening represents a major milestone in advancing cutting-edge scientific capability.
The African Genomics Centre is a key outcome of China–South Africa collaboration in health and science. The initiative originated from a memorandum of understanding signed during the China–Africa Ministerial Conference on Health Cooperation in 2017. In 2018, both parties formalised the partnership through a cooperation agreement, under which MGI provides equipment and technical support to establish the high-throughput sequencing facility.
To support operations, South African technicians have completed technical training at MGI headquarters. The laboratory, covering approximately 320 square metres, is now operational with its first sequencing system installed and validated. The MGISEQ-2000, developed independently by MGI, offers high flexibility across a range of applications. MGI will also deploy technical experts to South Africa to provide one year of on-site support.
The opening ceremony, held in Cape Town on 29 July, was attended by more than 60 representatives, including Professor Glenda Gray, Professor Mike Sathekge, Ben Durham (Director of Bio-Innovation at the Department of Science and Innovation), Dr Lwazi Manzi (spokesperson for the Minister of Health), Counsellor Hou Lihong from the Chinese Embassy, and leading academics and researchers from across South Africa.
Ben Durham highlighted the collaboration as a significant advancement for South Africa’s science and technology sector, with long-term impact on disease detection and treatment.
Dr Lwazi Manzi, speaking on behalf of Minister of Health Dr Zwelini Mkhize, congratulated SAMRC on the launch and emphasised the importance of genomics in improving diagnostic accuracy and strengthening healthcare delivery.
Counsellor Hou Lihong noted that over 20 years of China–South Africa scientific cooperation has delivered substantial progress and become a cornerstone of the bilateral strategic partnership. He commended the joint efforts of MGI and SAMRC and encouraged continued collaboration to drive further innovation and socio-economic development.
Looking ahead, MGI will continue to leverage its technological strengths to support public health and precision medicine initiatives. These efforts will contribute to developing local expertise in genomics and support long-term scientific advancement across South Africa and the wider African region.
