This was the basic question underlying discussions held by the newly formed Africa Genetics & Biotechnology Network during a two-day 'Colloquium on Building Interdisciplinary Support for Biotechnology and the New Genetics in Africa.' The Colloquium was attended by representatives from East, South, and West Africa, that included genetic scientists, social scientists, science journalists, science communicators, public education experts, as well as other experts with experience of multidisciplinary research.

The attendees discussed: the most important ethical, legal, and social issues facing Africa in relation to biotechnology; how to enhance communications between scientists and science journalists; incentives for scientists to communicate their work publicly; and how the new network could act as focus for inter-disciplinary and public discussion of the issues arising from genetics. A newly-created website will be launched shortly providing resources for genetic scientists, journalists, and the general public wishing to understand more about the significant challenges and opportunities facing Africa in relation to genetic science and biotechnology.

The Colloquium was hosted by the AGEI along with Innogen, and was sponsored by the British Council as part of its English Africa Partnerships Programme in Higher Education.