EDCTP and ICGEB sign Memorandum of Understanding
The EDCTP Association and the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony took place at the World Science Forum that is held in Cape Town, South Africa from 6-9 December 2022. ICGEB, represented by Dr Lawrence Banks, and the EDCTP Association, represented by Dr Michael Makanga, signed the MoU to encourage and promote cooperation in areas of mutual interest between the two organisations.
Dr Lawrence Banks (ICGEB) and Dr Michael Makanga (EDCTP)
By signing the MoU, the EDCTP Association and ICGEB agree that they shall encourage and promote cooperation in the following areas of mutual interest in sub-Saharan Africa:
1) Bringing high-level genomic engineering technology into EDCTP-funded networks in sub-Saharan Africa for optimising the fight against poverty-related infectious diseases
2) Joint activities in capacity development related to development of interventions against these diseases
3) Co-funding of projects covering areas of mutual interest, where applicable.
The MoU will remain in force for a period of five years, and ICGEB and the EDCTP Association will annually review and assess the implementation of the MoU together with the developed and implemented projects, programmes and activities in the above identified areas of cooperation.
“In almost two decades, EDCTP has made a lasting contribution to health research capacity of sub-Saharan African countries and has seen its investments steadily grow in highly collaborative research and development. This agreement brings in a global dimension and will benefit scientists, institutions and procedures in genomic research, a field that is increasingly key in the fight against infectious diseases and related comorbidities.”
Dr Michael Makanga, EDCTP Association Executive Director
“ICGEB has 66 member states in the world of which 23 are in Africa. Working and collaborating with EDCTP is a great opportunity to bring advanced and relevant science technology to a wider scale in Africa. The centre looks forward to working with EDCTP-funded networks in sub-Saharan Africa, fellows and alumni, and the Africa Office.”
Dr Lawrence Banks, ICGEB Director-General
About EDCTP
The EDCTP Association is mandated by the governments of 14 European and 21 African countries. Launched in 2003 and renewed in 2014 with funding through to 2024, EDCTP has been the focal point for EU support for global health research in Africa, and a visible sign of the EU’s commitment to the Millennium Development Goals and more recently the Sustainable Development Goals. Through its evolution, EDCTP has been driven by the infectious disease priorities of sub-Saharan Africa and the need to develop African countries’ capacity to collectively address these priorities into the future.
About ICGEB
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is an intergovernmental organisation to provide the international community with a Centre of excellence for research, training and technology transfer in the field of genetic engineering and biotechnology, supporting its Member States in the progress towards the achievement of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.