South Africa Launches Strategic Partnership to Advance National 110K Human Genome Program
The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) have taken another major step toward advancing genomic and precision medicine research in South Africa through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Illumina, a global leader in DNA sequencing technologies.
Pictured, from left to right: Dr Kenny Tenza, Deputy Director-General at DSTI; Prof Ntobeko Ntusi, SAMRC President & CEO;
and Dr Swaroop Aradhya, VP, Medical and Scientific Affairs, Illumina
Since 2016, the SAMRC and DSTI have collaborated through the Strategic Health Innovation Partnerships (SHIP) initiative to develop a national Precision Medicine Research & Innovation Programme. The latest partnership marks a significant expansion of this collaboration, ushering in the South African 110K Human Genome Program—a landmark national effort to sequence 110,000 human genomes and build the country’s first comprehensive national genomic reference database.
“This programme represents a historic investment in South Africa’s scientific future,” said Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, President and CEO of the SAMRC. “For too long, African populations have been insufficiently represented in genomic research, limiting global understanding of disease and response to treatment. Through the 110K Human Genome Program, South Africa will lead in generating knowledge that is inclusive, locally relevant, and transformative for public health.”
The programme aims to close the global gap in genomic data representation from African populations. By generating high-quality, contextually relevant data, the initiative will enable researchers to better understand the genetic contributors to disease, develop more precise and equitable health interventions, and ultimately reduce longstanding health inequities.
According to Dr Kenny Tenza, Deputy Director-General at DSTI, the partnership underscores South Africa’s commitment to leveraging science and innovation for societal impact. “The 110K Human Genome Program supports our national vision to build the science, technology, and innovation capabilities needed for a more equitable healthcare system. This partnership aligns with the Decadal Plan and our mission to strengthen local intellectual capital, data ecosystems, and research infrastructure to serve future generations,” he said.
The initiative will begin with a pilot phase of 10,000 genomes, drawing on existing longitudinal research cohorts across the country. This phase will establish the National Genome Archive, develop robust data pipelines, and implement scalable analysis frameworks to support advanced genomic science, innovation, and health system integration.
Glaudina Loots, Director of Health Innovation at DSTI, added that the programme reflects South Africa’s growing confidence and leadership in scientific innovation. “This programme reflects our commitment to scaling home-grown innovation and empowering African-led research. The resulting genomic reference resource will guide disease surveillance, clinical decision-making, therapeutic development, and preventive health strategies—particularly for historically underserved communities.”
At the heart of the initiative lies a strong focus on data sovereignty and capacity building. Rizwana Mia, Program Lead for the South African 110K Human Genome Program at the SAMRC, explained: “Our goal is not only to generate genomic data, but to train local scientists, strengthen national infrastructure, and ensure that South African communities benefit directly from scientific discovery. This is about positioning our country as a leader in genomic medicine.”
Collaboration with Illumina
As part of the partnership, Illumina will provide access to advanced sequencing platforms and genomic array technologies optimized for African genetic diversity. The company will also support training in data analysis, bioinformatics, and stewardship to strengthen South Africa’s ability to conduct large-scale genomic studies within its own borders.
Gregory Essert, General Manager, Emerging Markets, Illumina, commented, “At Illumina, we are driven by the power of genomics to transform lives and improve global health. We are excited to support this pioneering programme in the country, which will expand scientific knowledge, advance precision health, and help ensure African populations are represented on the global genomic stage. The SAMRC’s commitment to drive progress in genomics across the country is very inspiring, and we are proud to be part of this journey.”
Dr Swaroop Aradhya, VP Medical and Scientific Affairs, Illumina, added, “We remain dedicated to fostering sustainable partnerships, building genomic datasets for diverse populations, and data sovereignty in Africa, ensuring that genomic research innovations benefit local communities and contribute to global scientific and healthcare advances.”
South African 110K Human Genome Program
The South African 110K Human Genome Program is a multi-institutional national initiative designed to generate a secure, sovereign genomic data resource that will enable clinical research, data-driven public health strategies, biotechnology innovation, and improved health equity for South Africans.
About the South African Medical Research Council
The SAMRC was established in 1969 and is dedicated to improving the health of people in South Africa, through research, innovation, development, and technology transfer. The scope of research includes laboratory investigations, clinical research, and public health studies. This includes research on South Africa’s quadruple burden of disease: maternal, newborn and child health, HIV/AIDS and TB, non-communicable diseases, and interpersonal violence.
About the DSTI
The DSTI seeks to boost socio-economic development in South Africa through research and innovation. To achieve its goals, the department provides leadership, an enabling environment and resources for science, technology and innovation
About Illumina
Illumina is improving human health by unlocking the power of the genome. Our focus on innovation has established us as a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, serving customers in the research, clinical, and applied markets. Our products are used for applications in the life sciences, oncology, reproductive health, agriculture, and other emerging segments. To learn more, visit illumina.com and connect with us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
For more information, please contact:
Yolanda Phakela
Tel: 021 938 0339
e-mail: yolanda.phakela@mrc.ac.za
or
Zama Mthethwa
Tel: 082 808 3956
e-mail: zama.mthethwa@dsti.gov.za
