eSwatini, November 10, 2021 - The eSwatini Environment Authority (eEA) in partnership with AUDA-NEPAD organised an orientation workshop for the Board and the Advisory Committee members on Biotechnology and Biosafety, from 8 – 10 November 2021 in eZulwini, eSwatini.

The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs has appointed new board members and a new National Biosafety Advisory Committee. To facilitate a smooth transition of the new members into office, the Eswatini Environment Authority identified the need for their orientation on biotechnology and biosafety. The orientation training was facilitated by Dr Olalekan Akinbo, the eSwatini biosafety programme leader at AUDA-NEPAD, with the support of his colleagues virtually.

During the orientation, participants were taken through the key aspects of biotechnology as well as biosafety implementation and administration. The training generated much interest within the group on how to be proactive and support the process already ongoing with gains to the farmers in harnessing GMO/emerging technology products safely in the Kingdom of eSwatini.

The objectives of the workshop were to strengthen the capacity of the appointed board which is and the advisory committee, the technical group that advises the board on modern biotechnology in order to create an enabling environment for regulation which is science-based. The meeting also aimed at sharing best practices on the regulation of biotechnology across the continent and the critical role that the members of the board and National Biosafety Advisory Committee will play.

eEA has approved the commercial release of Bt cotton which is currently being planted by the farmers in the country. It has become one of the African countries that are hoisting their flags on benefiting  from this technology. A major contributor to the positive uptake of the technology could be attributed to understanding of the technology and Farmers’ needs by the decision-making Structures in the country. This understanding is also attributed to previous orientations, sensitizations and engagements on biotechnology and biosafety   with the support of AUDA NEPAD and other partners.