SAMRC Strengthens Genomic Research Capacity through New Partnership with MGI Tech
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) and MGI Tech Co., Limited, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance South Africa’s national genomics capability through the 110K Human Genome Programme.
This collaboration marks another milestone in the country’s growing commitment to genomic science and precision medicine, positioning South Africa at the forefront of Africa’s health innovation landscape.
The 110K Human Genome Programme aims to establish a robust, sustainable genomic sequencing and data ecosystem through a centralized workflow and a national genome archive. The initiative will commence with the sequencing of up to 10,000 genomes in its pilot phase, the initiative will contribute to the creation of an African Genome Reference, a vital scientific resource to better understand population-specific genetic diversity and improve the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases prevalent on the continent.
Through this partnership, MGI will provide technical expertise, next-generation sequencing technology, and infrastructure support to build local capacity for high-throughput genomic research. The SAMRC will oversee sample collection, compliance, and data governance, ensuring adherence to South Africa’s ethical, regulatory, and scientific standards.
DSTI play a pivotal role as a co-funder, advancing the government’s South African Precision Medicine Programme, a national initiative designed to harness genomics and big data for health innovation and equitable access to cutting-edge research tools.
The partnership will also promote skills exchange programmes, training, and regional collaborations aimed at extending genomic research capacity across the African continent.
Prof Ntobeko Ntusi CEO and President of the SAMRC commented “The SAMRC’s collaboration with MGI represents a strategic investment relationship in building local capacity and cost-efficient genomic sequencing infrastructure. Our engagement with MGI uniquely strengthens national affordability, scalability, and long-term sustainability to ensure that South Africa can deliver population-scale genomics at locally viable costs.”
Rizwana Mia Program Lead mentioned that the equipment placement and MoU enables regional readiness through partner laboratories such as the SAMRC Genomics Platform and UKZN. Laboratories with MGI’s standardized pricing framework and technical support allow us to operate efficiently and expand access, ensuring the 110K Human Genome Programme delivers equitable benefits across provinces.
Prof Craig Kinnear Director of the SAMRC Genomics Platform stated that “This partnership with MGI extends beyond technology transfer, it embeds local capability. Together, we’ve established a high-throughput sequencing workflow anchored by the MGI DNBSEQ-T7 sequencer at the SAMRC.”
Glaudina Loots Director for Health Innovation at the Department of Science and Innovation, commented: “The DSTI views the DSTI-SAMRC–MGI partnership as a practical step in operationalizing South Africa’s Precision Medicine and Health Innovation agenda. By coupling infrastructure development with standardized pricing and capacity building, we are creating a sustainable and inclusive genomics ecosystem. Importantly, this partnership also opens pathways for joint funding through BRICS and China–Africa science collaboration platforms — reinforcing our commitment to South–South cooperation “The DSTI views the SAMRC–MGI partnership as a practical step in operationalizing South Africa’s Precision Medicine and Health Innovation agenda. By coupling infrastructure development with standardized pricing and capacity building, we are creating a sustainable and inclusive genomics ecosystem. Importantly, this partnership also opens pathways for joint funding through BRICS and China–Africa science collaboration platforms - reinforcing our commitment to South–South cooperation.”
Duncan Yu, President of MGI Tech, said, “Genomic progress is not driven by technology alone; it is powered by partnerships. We are proud to be collaborating with SAMRC and DSTI on South Africa’s 110K Human Genome Program and bringing Africa’s first DNBSEQ-T7 sequencer to Cape Town. This is more than a product launch; it is a promise to stand alongside Africa’s scientists in unlocking the continent’s genomic potential and tackling its unique health challenges".
“By making high-throughput sequencing available in Africa, we are helping turn groundbreaking initiatives like this into reality, allowing African genomic data to tell its own story while contributing to a resilient, inclusive ecosystem that advances precision medicine for the region.”
About MGI
Founded in 2016, MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (or its subsidiaries, together referred to as MGI) is committed to building core tools and technologies that drive innovation in life science. Our focus lies in research & development, manufacturing, and sales of instruments, reagents, and related products in the field of life science and biotechnology. The company provides real-time, multi-omics, and full spectrum of digital equipment and systems for precision medicine, agriculture, healthcare and various other industries. MGI has grown into a leader in life science, serving customers across six continents and has established research, manufacturing, training, and after-sales service facilities globally.
