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On Friday, March 7, 2025, Kenya’s Court of Appeal put a hold on the trade and cultivation of genetically engineered (GE) products until an appeal filed by the Kenya Peasants League is fully heard.

In February 2025, Ethiopia’s National Variety Release Committee (NVRC) approved the commercial release of three TELA maize hybrid varieties.

The report outlines the Department of Livestock Development's regulation on the criteria, methods, and conditions for certifying animals developed using genome editing technology. This regulation enables Thailand to access new animal breeds, enhancing the country's ability to improve livestock production and address challenges related to food security and sustainable agriculture.

Import permits for genetically engineered (GE) corn from the United States are once again issued by South Africa. After a mid-summer drought that caused a 22 percent drop in production, South Africa needs to import corn to supplement domestic production.

On July 26, 2016, Côte d’Ivoire enacted its national Biosafety Law No. 2016-553. This law establishes the groundwork for managing genetically engineered (GE) products.

This is a regional report on West Africa that primarily covers Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Mali, but also provides brief overviews in certain sections for Niger, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania.

Post received confirmation on United States genetically engineered (GE) soybean eligibility to enter South Africa. After a mid-summer drought, South Africa needs corn and soybean imports to complement local production. South Africa allows for the importation of synchronized GE event approvals from an exporting country.

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.

The Thai government has made significant progress in addressing food security and climate change challenges by advancing its biotechnology regulatory landscape. Recognizing the benefits of genome editing technology as a key driver for enhancing the competitiveness and value of the agricultural sector, Thailand has taken a major step forward.

FAS Accra observes Ghana making appreciable advancements in the field of plant biotechnology (biotech). The country is expanding its agricultural biotech crops developmental and production capabilities.

The Government of Tanzania continues to implement strict liability requirements on the commercialization of genetically engineered products, as outlined in the 2009 Biosafety Regulations. There are no genetically engineered products imported or commercialized in Tanzania. However, applied biotechnology is used for medicine and public health.