Genomics-led Impact on African Population Health (GEN-IMPACT) (360G-Wellcome-334707_Z_25_Z)

GEN-IMPACT is a five-year, African-led initiative designed to advance equitable precision medicine by integrating genomics into population health research. It addresses the urgent need to understand the genetic and environmental determinants of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within the context of Africa’s persistent infectious disease burden. Leveraging the African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC), the Science for Africa Foundation (SFA), and the African Bioinformatics Institute (ABI), the project will generate genomic, phenotypic, and exposure data from approximately 10,000 participants across underrepresented African cohorts. The programme includes deep phenotyping, genome-wide genotyping, and whole genome sequencing, with a strong emphasis on capacity building, data governance, and ethical community engagement. A landscape phase will identify priority health areas, followed by sub-studies addressing region-specific research questions. Data will be analysed locally and across sites using federated platforms. GEN-IMPACT will contribute to the African reference genome, support development of predictive models, and enhance data sharing infrastructure. By embedding training, ethical frameworks, and sustainability planning into all phases, it aims to empower African institutions and researchers to lead in genomic science. Ultimately, GEN-IMPACT will catalyse systems change and establish a model for integrating genomics into public health to improve health outcomes and research sovereignty across Africa.