Addis Ababa, Ethiopia / Entebbe, Uganda — July 25, 2025
The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) and SynBio Africa have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance Africa’s capacity in synthetic biology, laboratory systems strengthening, biosafety, and biotechnology innovation.
This partnership unites ASLM’s continental leadership in laboratory medicine with SynBio Africa’s pioneering efforts in engineering biology and bioinnovation. Together, the two organizations will co-develop programs that empower African scientists, foster safe and cutting-edge biotechnological solutions, and transform health, agriculture, and environmental systems across the continent.
A Partnership for Africa’s Scientific Transformation
Under the MoU, ASLM and SynBio Africa will collaborate to strengthen Africa’s scientific and diagnostic landscape through synthetic biology and advanced laboratory systems. The partnership will focus on six key areas:
- R&D of Synthetic-Biology-Enabled Diagnostics – Jointly developing innovative tools, biosensors, vaccine platforms, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) diagnostics tailored to African needs.
- Laboratory Workforce and Capacity Building – Delivering joint fellowships, workshops, and accredited training programs for laboratory and synthetic-biology professionals.
- Innovation and Commercialization – Supporting biotech start-ups and entrepreneurs with shared infrastructure, accelerators, and pathways from prototype to market.
- Biosafety and Biosecurity – Establishing harmonized training frameworks and standard operating procedures aligned with ASLM laboratory quality standards.
- Policy and Regulatory Engagement – Co-developing guidance and advocating for enabling policies governing synthetic biology, diagnostics, biosafety, and biosecurity.
- Joint Scientific Conferences and Knowledge Exchange – Co-hosting events, webinars, and forums to disseminate advances in biotechnology and laboratory science.
Leadership Remarks
“This partnership represents a shared vision to make Africa not only a consumer but a creator of cutting-edge biotechnologies,” said Geoffrey Otim, Founder and CEO of SynBio Africa. “By integrating synthetic biology with laboratory medicine, we are building a new framework for innovation, safety, and impact across health and sustainability sectors.”
“ASLM is delighted to join forces with SynBio Africa in this transformative collaboration,” said Dr. Nqobile Ndlovu, CEO of ASLM. “Together, we will empower laboratories and scientists with the skills, standards, and systems necessary to position Africa as a global leader in health innovation and biosecurity.”
About the Partners
African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)
ASLM is a pan-African professional membership organization dedicated to advancing quality laboratory medicine practices, systems, and networks to improve health outcomes. ASLM works closely with governments, regional bodies, and international partners to strengthen diagnostic capacity and health security across Africa.
🌐 www.aslm.org
SynBio Africa
SynBio Africa is a Uganda-based organization advancing synthetic biology education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Guided by its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, it is establishing the Center of Excellence in Synthetic Biology (CoESB) to develop bio-based solutions addressing health, agricultural, and environmental challenges while strengthening biosafety and biosecurity across Africa.
🌐 www.synbioafrica.com
Signed on July 25, 2025
Dr. Nqobile Ndlovu, CEO – ASLM
Geoffrey Otim, Founder & CEO – SynBio Africa
Media Inquiries:
📩 info@synbioafrica.com | communications@aslm.org