African countries have been hesitant to authorize GMOs. However, Rwanda took a step forward by announcing on July 13th a draft law authorizing the genetically modified organisms, their importation, commercialization, and exportation.
With this announcement, Rwanda follows in the footsteps of South Africa, Kenya, Ghana, and Nigeria, which have already authorized GMOs.
Operators willing to work with GMOs will be required to obtain a license from the National Environmental Management Authority (REMA). Additionally, the government plans to establish a monitoring and control body to oversee the initial experiments with GMO crops.
The country is already conducting trials on cassava crops resistant to Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), a disease that can destroy up to two-thirds of the crops.
Source: Ecofin
