Ethiopia is set to gain improved access to biotechnology and biosafety information after the launch of a new continental digital platform. The Biotech Africa Database aims to enhance transparency and support evidence-based decisions across Africa.
The Biotech Africa Database was developed by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications AfriCenter and its partners. The platform consolidates country-specific details on biotechnology regulations, approval decisions and procedures for moving biotech products across borders.
At the launch event ISAAA AfriCenter Director Dr. Margaret Karembu said, “Today we have opened a door where data replaces rumours, where a farmer in Kampala sees the same biotech information as a researcher in Kaduna, a trader in Johannesburg and a policymaker in Addis Ababa.”
Ethiopia has approved two genetically modified crops for commercial production. Both are regulated by the Environmental Protection Authority.