MGI Tech joins forces with SAMRC and DSTI to launch South Africa’s 110K Human Genome Program and unveil Africa’s first DNBSEQ-T7, ushering in a new era in African genomics

110K Human Genome Program: A South African National Initiative

A joint effort between SAMRC, DSTI, and MGI, the 110K Human Genome Program aims to bridge the global gap in genomic data representation from African populations. This landmark commitment will sequence 110,000 South African genomes, ultimately establishing the country’s first comprehensive national genomic reference database.

Glaudina Loots, Director for Health Innovation at the DSTI, said:

“The partnership marks a practical step forward in realizing South Africa’s Precision Medicine and Health Innovation agenda. By integrating infrastructure development with standardized pricing and capacity building, we are fostering a sustainable and inclusive genomics ecosystem. Importantly, this partnership opens avenues for joint funding through BRICS and China–Africa science collaboration platforms, reinforcing our commitment to South–South cooperation.”

In the pilot phase, the program will sequence up to 10,000 human genomes, laying the groundwork for an African Genome Reference - a first-of-its-kind resource that will enable researchers and clinicians to better understand population-specific genetic diversity. This will also enhance the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases prevalent across the continent. In the long term, the initiative will be broadened to incorporate cutting-edge technologies - including spatial transcriptomics, single-cell sequencing, proteomics, and long-read sequencing - reinforcing South Africa’s role as a global leader in genomic innovation.

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 ground-breaking 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.”

The 110K Human Genome Program seeks to address a longstanding gap in global genomics: the underrepresentation of African genetic data, despite the continent harbouring the richest human genetic diversity in the world. Through this partnership, the SAMRC, DSTI, and MGI are changing the course of African genomics by establishing South Africa as a regional hub for high-quality, locally led genomic research. As the initiative gets underway, MGI reaffirms its commitment to supporting South Africa’s broader goals of scientific independence and health equity. By building local capacity to generate, analyse, and leverage genomic data, the partnership will not only improve health outcomes for South Africans but also position Africa as a leader in the next era of precision medicine.