MGI Tech Partners with South Africa to Launch 110K Human Genome Program and Deploy Africa's First DNBSEQ-T7 Sequencer
Key Insights
MGI Tech (search) has unveiled Africa's first DNBSEQ-T7 (search) ultra-high-throughput sequencing platform at the South African Medical Research Council (search), significantly reducing sequencing costs and expanding genomic accessibility across the continent.
The company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SAMRC and South Africa's Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (search) to launch the 110K Human Genome Program, aiming to sequence 110,000 South African genomes.
This initiative addresses the critical underrepresentation of African genetic data in global genomics research, despite Africa harboring the world's richest human genetic diversity.
MGI Tech (search) Co., Ltd. has announced two transformative milestones in African genomics: the deployment of the continent's first DNBSEQ-T7 (search) sequencing platform at the South African Medical Research Council (search) (SAMRC) and the launch of South Africa's ambitious 110K Human Genome Program through a strategic partnership with SAMRC and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (search) (DSTI).
The initiatives represent a significant leap toward building sustainable genomic research capacity in South Africa, advancing precision medicine while ensuring Africa's contribution to global genomic science encompasses not only data but also ideas, models, and innovations.
Revolutionary Sequencing Technology Arrives in Africa
The DNBSEQ-T7 (search), now operational at the SAMRC Genomics Center in Cape Town, ranks among Africa's most advanced ultra-high-throughput sequencing platforms. The system delivers ultra-high throughput data with unmatched speed, scale, and accuracy, enabling large-cohort and multi-omics studies while significantly reducing sequencing costs and expanding accessibility across the continent.
"Our collaboration represents a strategic investment and valuable relationship in developing local capacity and cost-efficient genomic sequencing infrastructure," said Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, CEO and President of the SAMRC. "Partnering with MGI uniquely enhances national affordability, scalability, and long-term sustainability, ensuring South Africa can deliver population-scale genomics at locally viable costs."
The platform has already demonstrated its capabilities, having sequenced 96 lion genomes, 168 low-coverage human genomes, and 9 high-coverage human genomes from patients with undiagnosed rare diseases (search).
Addressing Global Genomic Data Gap
The 110K Human Genome Program aims to bridge the critical gap in genomic data representation from African populations. This landmark initiative will sequence 110,000 South African genomes, establishing the country's first comprehensive national genomic reference database.
The program addresses a longstanding disparity in global genomics: the underrepresentation of African genetic data, despite the continent harboring the richest human genetic diversity in the world. 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.
"The partnership marks a practical step forward in realizing South Africa's Precision Medicine and Health Innovation agenda," said Glaudina Loots, Director for Health Innovation at the DSTI. "By integrating infrastructure development with standardized pricing and capacity building, we are fostering a sustainable and inclusive genomics ecosystem."
Building Scientific Independence
The SAMRC Genomics Platform has been instrumental in advancing genomics and precision medicine across South Africa and the wider continent. Beyond sequencing, it serves as a hub for innovation, capacity building, and translational research, empowering African scientists to lead in fields ranging from clinical genetics and population genomics to biodiversity and infectious disease research.
The facility plays a critical role in training and mentoring local researchers, developing and validating bioinformatics pipelines optimized for African genomic diversity, and designing end-to-end workflows for locally relevant applications. It continues to drive efforts to lower sequencing costs, improve data quality, and cultivate sustainable local expertise that supports Africa's scientific independence.
Long-term Vision for Precision Medicine
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.
"Genomic progress is not driven by technology alone; it is powered by partnerships," said Duncan Yu, President of MGI Tech (search). "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 (search) 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."
The partnership positions South Africa as a regional hub for high-quality, locally led genomic research, with the potential to improve health outcomes for South Africans while establishing Africa as a leader in the next era of precision medicine. The initiative also opens avenues for joint funding through BRICS and China-Africa science collaboration platforms, reinforcing commitment to South-South cooperation.