“Africa must lead in developing pharmacogenomic algorithms and AI models that are trained on African genomic data.” – Dr. Wafaa M. Rashed (PAPERI)
It’s a bold vision—and one that highlights both the opportunities and challenges facing Africa in the era of genomics and pharmacogenomics. To understand how policy, ethics, and innovation can come together to shape Africa’s future in precision medicine, APGxA spoke with Dr. Wafaa M. Rashed, founder of PAPERI (Pan-African PGS Education and Research Initiative).
APGxA: You’ve had a rich career spanning clinical pharmacy, nutrition, and education. Tell me, what experiences led you to launch PAPERI, and why now?
Dr. Rashed: My journey has been shaped by diverse experiences in clinical pharmacy, nutrition, ethics, bioinformatics, and clinical research. As a member of the Childhood Cancer & Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC) group, I participated in a large genomic study- Lead by Dr. Logan (PI & CLIC Chair) – that exposed me to the European GDPR framework—and to the stark contrast of its absence across much of Africa. Through numerous bioinformatics courses and collaborative projects, I built strong professional networks with colleagues and friends across the continent.
At the same time, I witnessed rapid advances in genetics and genomics in Africa, yet without the policies and governance structures needed to protect participants, ensure equity, and guide responsible use. While polygenic scores (PGS) are progressing globally and edging closer to clinical application, African genomic data remains severely underrepresented in research. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in Africa are far fewer than expected given our continent’s diversity, and this lack of inclusion risks widening global health disparities.
| PAPERI was born from the belief that Africa must be at the table—not as an afterthought but as a leader—in shaping the future of genomics. |
PAPERI was born from the belief that Africa must be at the table—not as an afterthought but as a leader—in shaping the future of genomics. Our mission is “Africa for Africans”: to advocate for policies that ensure ethical, equitable, and impactful use of genetics and genomics, leveraging Africa’s unparalleled genomic diversity for the benefit of its people and the world.
APGxA: PAPERI is gaining momentum across Africa. What moment made you realize, “This is bigger than I thought”?
Dr. Rashed: That realization came during the early cohorts of our Policy Advocacy in Genetics and Genomics course. Initially, I imagined a small community of participants, mostly from a few African countries. But within weeks, we had enthusiastic applicants from across the continent—and beyond—representing clinicians, researchers, policymakers, and students from vastly different backgrounds.
The turning point was when I led two advocacy campaigns: one for International Childhood Cancer Day and another for International Women’s Day, celebrating women’s contributions to genomics research. I was amazed to see course participants from across Africa—and from other continents including the USA, Europe, Asia, and Latin America—join in with energy, creativity, and commitment. Their willingness to collaborate, share resources, and amplify the message went far beyond what I expected from an educational program.
In that moment, I realized PAPERI was no longer just a training initiative. It was becoming a global network and a continental movement for equitable genomics, driven by people who felt ownership of the mission and were eager to carry it into their own communities.
APGxA: You’re working at the intersection of AI, ethics, and genomics. What’s one area in PGx where Africa must lead—not follow?
Dr. Rashed: Africa must lead in developing pharmacogenomic algorithms and AI models that are trained on African genomic data. Too often, global pharmacogenomics tools are built primarily on European or Asian datasets, leading to reduced accuracy and potential harm when applied to African populations. Given Africa’s unparalleled genetic diversity, we cannot simply adapt imported models—we need to build our own, from the ground up, ensuring they reflect our unique variations, health priorities, and disease burdens.
This leadership must be grounded in ethical governance: frameworks that protect participant privacy, ensure fair benefit-sharing, and guard against the misuse of genetic data. By integrating robust ethics from the start, Africa can set a global standard for responsible AI in PGx—avoiding the mistakes of others while demonstrating that innovation and ethics are not competing priorities, but inseparable pillars.
If Africa takes this role now, we will not only improve precision medicine for our own populations but also contribute indispensable insights to global pharmacogenomics.
APGxA: Africa’s genomic diversity offers unique opportunities—and challenges—for pharmacogenomics. In your view, what infrastructure or policy shifts are most needed to unlock Africa’s potential as a global leader in PGx?
Dr. Rashed: Policy must come first. Without a well-designed policy framework, infrastructure risks becoming fragmented, underutilized, or misaligned with the continent’s needs. A clear, continent-wide commitment to genomic and pharmacogenomic policy would set the foundation for ethical data governance, equitable benefit-sharing, and harmonized regulatory standards. It would also ensure that genomic research translates into real-world clinical applications that serve African populations first.
Once that policy foundation is established, the right infrastructure naturally follows as its implementation. This means investing in secure genomic data repositories, interoperable health information systems, well-equipped laboratories, and biobanks that are not just technologically advanced but also ethically governed. It also requires capacity-building—training bioinformaticians, clinical geneticists, and policymakers who can work at the interface of science, ethics, and healthcare delivery.
In short, sound policy is the blueprint; infrastructure is the construction. When Africa gets both right, we will not only unlock our genomic potential but also position the continent as a global leader in pharmacogenomics innovation.
| Policy must come first. Without a well-designed policy framework, infrastructure risks becoming fragmented, underutilized, or misaligned with the continent’s needs. |
APGxA: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of pharmacogenomics in Africa, and what role do you hope PAPERI will play in shaping that future?
Dr. Rashed: What excites me most is the possibility of an Africa where pharmacogenomics is not a distant aspiration but a routine part of healthcare—designed for and by Africans, powered by our own genomic data, and guided by ethical, inclusive policies. I see a future where African-led PGx research informs global standards, where AI models trained on African datasets improve drug safety and effectiveness worldwide, and where patients benefit directly from precision medicine that truly reflects their biology.
PAPERI’s role in that future is to work on both wings—policy and infrastructure. Through our training courses, we are equipping advocates and professionals with the knowledge to shape and implement effective genomic policies. At the same time, we aim to contribute to building the infrastructure needed for ethical, secure, and impactful genomic research and application. But we cannot do this alone. Support from authorities such as Africa CDC, WHO, and the African Union is essential so we can move forward hand in hand to achieve this mission.
| As the African proverb says, “A single bracelet does not jingle.” |
To make Africa’s pharmacogenomics vision resonate, we must link our bracelets together—collaborating across sectors, disciplines, and borders to create a future where our continent leads with both wisdom and innovation.
Conclusion
Dr. Wafaa Rashed’s story is one of urgency, vision, and collective responsibility. Through PAPERI, she is showing that Africa’s role in genomics and pharmacogenomics must be proactive, ethical, and distinctly African. Her call for policy-first approaches, ethical AI, and cross-border collaboration outlines a clear path forward, where Africa’s genomic diversity becomes a source of strength and innovation.
For pharmacogenomics, the lesson is straightforward. Progress will only matter if it is inclusive, representative, and grounded in strong governance. PAPERI is shaping policy while also helping define the future of precision medicine in Africa. By strengthening policy, building capacity, and linking networks, it is contributing to a vision of healthcare that serves Africa first and adds lasting value to the global community.
