Browse Data and Analysis

In January 2024, Nigeria became the second country in Africa to approve the commercial release of four biotech (TELA) maize varieties.

Mozambique has begun to draft a Biotechnology Law that will allow GE commercialization. The country planted its first genetically engineered (GE) corn trial in 2017 to test drought and pest resistance.

In January 2024, Nigeria approved the commercial release of four TELA maize varieties, which have been genetically engineered for improved insect-resistance and drought-tolerance. In addition to South Africa, Nigeria has become the second country in...

Although Mozambique has not yet approved the use of genetically engineered (GE) crops, an effort has been made to start drafting an updated biosafety/biotechnology law that will allow GE commercialization.

In July 2023, President Tinubu declared an "immediate state of emergency on food insecurity" to address high food prices and lackluster agricultural production. Nigeria is considered by some in Africa to be a leader in agricultural biotechnology as it has researched, tested, evaluated, and commercialized several biotech products, including cowpea, a staple crop for smallholder farmers across West Africa.

Nigeria has taken an increasingly active role in biotechnology research and development in Africa – spurred by the solid support of the Government of Nigeria (GON). In September 2022, Nigeria hosted regulators from Mozambique and Ethiopia to learn more about Nigeria’s biotechnology regulatory experience.

Mozambique has not yet approved the use of GE crops. Mozambique planted its first genetically engineered (GE) corn trial in 2017 at the Chókwè Agricultural Station as part of the TELA project (formerly Water Efficient Maize for Africa) aimed to test drought and pest resistance.

Nigeria continues to deliver notable achievements in biotechnology research and development – spurred by strong support of the Government of Nigeria (GON).

Mozambique has not yet approved the use of genetically engineered (GE) crops. Mozambique planted its first GE corn trial in 2017 at the Chókwè Agricultural Station as part of the TELA project (formerly Water Efficient Maize for Africa) aimed to test...

In December 2020, the Government of Nigeria through the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) authorized guidelines on gene editing.

Since the commercial release of Bt Cowpea in January 2019, Nigeria biotech regulatory authorities are forging ahead with other approvals.

Mozambique planted its first genetically modified (GM) corn trial at Chókwè Agricultural Station in 2017, as part of the Water Efficient Maize for Africa (WEMA) program aimed to test drought....