17 Jul South African Science and Technology Minister, Ms Kubayi-Ngubane to Inaugurate South Africa’s First Biotech Convention

AfricaBio, has the pleasure of announcing that the inaugural BIO Africa Convention will be opened by SA Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane. AfricaBio is an independent non-profit stakeholders’ association, that represent stakeholders in the biotechnology sector throughout Africa, and promote the use of biotechnology as a means to upliftment.

The Bio Africa Convention which aims to bolster developments and relationships across Africa and abroad, with the aim of supporting and boosting the growing bio-economy on the continent will be held at Durban ICC – Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre from 27 – 29 August 2018.

The world is fast realising the importance of Biotechnogy in solving tomorrow’s problems, today. Populations across the world are increasing at a rapid pace and yet resources are dwindling. Utilising every available technology is therefore crucial.

Advances in technology have dramatically increased the rates at which these new biotechnologies can be developed, while at the same time, reducing the cost of development. Biotechnology is making significant contributions in health care and food security, with the development of new drought tolerant crops.

Food security is especially a pertinent issue in Africa as a whole.  The United Nations FAO(Food and Agricultural Organisation) is calling for “global coordination for ‘a bio-economy’ that leaves no  one behind”, stating that: “Bio products can improve access to food and, if produced sustainably, help address climate change.”

To this end, Minister Kubayi-Ngubane will also be attending the BIO US summit in Boston, USA, from June 4 – 7 to supporting and promote the BIO Africa Convention. The Minister will host  BIO Africa Convention launch event at the South African Pavilion in Boston on 6 June, to invite US and other nations, industry leaders and academics to attend the BIO Africa Convention in August.

Under the theme, “Africa – Open for business: Together building the Bio-Economy”, BIO Africa Convention, aims to attract international investors and facilitate business networks and the collaboration of minds amongst industry, academia, regulatory authorities and future industry leaders.

For more information, photo ops, interviews or media passes, contact: Charlotte De La Harpe, Project Manager on +27 12 844 0126 or Charlotte@africabio.com

Register or get full convention details at: www.bioafricaconvention.com