Unlocking Africa How Precision Medicine and Genomics Could Transform Healthcare in Africa with Derrick Akpalu
Episode 216 with Derrick Edem Akpalu, Co Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Revna Biosciences, a biotechnology company advancing precision medicine, genomics, and molecular diagnostics across Africa. Derrick is leading a mission to transform healthcare outcomes by building world class diagnostic and research capabilities that address some of the continent’s most pressing medical challenges. Through Revna Biosciences, he is helping bring advanced genomic testing, clinical research partnerships, and personalised treatment selection closer to the patients and healthcare providers who need them most.
Derrick explains why precision medicine could play a significant role in the future of healthcare across Africa, and why the continent’s extraordinary genetic diversity presents a powerful opportunity to improve disease diagnosis, treatment, and drug development globally. From oncology and infectious disease genomics to biobanking and translational research, he shares how building local life sciences infrastructure can dramatically improve patient outcomes while enabling Africa to contribute more meaningfully to global biotechnology and medical research.
Derrick also discusses the realities of building a deep science biotechnology company in Africa, the importance of international laboratory standards and global research partnerships, and why local diagnostic capacity is essential for strengthening healthcare sovereignty across the continent. More broadly, he explores how investment in health innovation, biotechnology, and medical research can unlock new economic opportunities, create high value scientific jobs, and position Africa as a global hub for life sciences discovery and healthcare innovation.
What We Discuss With Derrick
- The rise of precision medicine in Africa and why the continent’s genetic diversity could reshape global healthcare innovation.
- Why building local molecular diagnostics and genomics infrastructure is essential for improving patient outcomes and strengthening healthcare sovereignty.
- How Revna Biosciences is developing biotechnology capability in Africa through genomics, biobanking, and clinical research partnerships.
- The realities of building a biotechnology and deep science startup in Africa and the challenges founders face beyond raising capital.
- Why investment in healthcare innovation, biotechnology, and life sciences should be viewed as critical economic infrastructure for Africa’s future growth.
Did you miss my previous episode where I discuss How Africa Can Build a Stronger Agribusiness Economy: Patient Capital, Food Security & Investment? Make sure to check it out!
Connect with Terser:
LinkedIn - Terser Adamu
Instagram - unlockingafrica
Twitter (X) - @TerserAdamu
Connect with Derrick:
LinkedIn - Derrick Edem Akpalu
Many of the businesses unlocking opportunities in Africa don’t do it alone. If you’d like strategic support on entering or expanding across African markets, reach out to our partners ETK Group: