The South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Genomics Platform has expanded the continent’s sequencing capacity with the installation of Africa’s first MGI T7 high-throughput sequencer, made possible through a strategic partnership with BGI and MGI Tech.
As one of the first purpose-built sequencing facilities in Africa, the SAMRC Genomics Platform was established to promote accessible, collaborative, and sustainable genomics research. Operating as a not-for-profit facility, its mandate is to make cutting-edge sequencing technologies available to African researchers, enabling large-scale, high-quality genomics studies to be conducted locally rather than relying on international outsourcing.
The MGI T7 delivers ultra-high-throughput sequencing capable of producing terabases of data per run. Its addition significantly boosts local research capacity across diverse fields including biodiversity, agriculture, human health, and pathogen genomics. The platform will play a pivotal role in supporting major national and continental initiatives such as DIPLOMICS, 1KSA (1,000 South African Genomes), the South African 110,000 Human Genomes Project, and the African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP).
Beyond expanding sequencing capacity, the installation represents an important step toward data sovereignty and scientific self-sufficiency in Africa. With this technology, researchers can now complete the full genomics workflow for large scale projects, from sample collection and library preparation to sequencing and bioinformatics analysis, entirely within South Africa.
Through its partnership with BGI and MGI Tech, the SAMRC Genomics Platform is also strengthening skills development and technology transfer, providing hands-on training and knowledge exchange for scientists and students.
This milestone underscores the SAMRC Genomics Platform’s commitment to advancing open, affordable, and locally driven genomics research in Africa, and its growing role as a hub supporting continental and global collaborations in genomics innovation.
Author information:
Dr Ansia van Coller
South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Genomics Platform
https://www.samrc.ac.za/research/centre-and-platforms-office/genomics-meet-our-team
Short Biography: Dr Ansia van Coller is a Senior Scientist at the SAMRC Genomics Platform in South Africa, where she applies bioinformatics and genome assembly approaches to study biodiversity and health. She leads pioneering plant genomics projects and is passionate about building African capacity in genome research through initiatives such as the African BioGenome Project and the 1,000 South African Genomes (1KSA) initiative.
The installation strengthens local sequencing output and supports large projects in health, agriculture, and biodiversity. It also strengthens data ownership because researchers process samples and analyze results inside the region. You gain faster turnaround, lower external costs, and more control over sensitive datasets. The partnership also supports training that builds long-term expertise among African scientists.