Genomics could play a significant role, especially with the use of advanced DNA profiling techniques in forensic investigations. These tools could assist in criminal investigations, exonerating the innocent, identifying missing persons and providing resolution to families that are affected by disasters and conflicts. For example, forensic genomics has played a major role in solving cold cases in the United States and Europe. An example of a high-profile criminal investigation involving many cases that has been solved with forensic genomics is the well-known case of the Golden State Killer in the United States (7).

Investigators used forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) to reanalyse DNA collected from crime scenes several decades ago. By comparing it with profiles in public databases like GEDmatch, an extensive family tree was constructed using traditional genealogy methods. This led to the identification of distant relatives and eventually the suspect, Joseph DeAngelo. Public records, birth certificates and obituaries were explored. Once he emerged as the prime suspect of the case, investigators covertly retrieved DNA samples from a tissue which he had freely discarded. The sample confirmed a match when compared to DNA from the crime scene, ultimately leading to his conviction. (7)

While the Golden State Killer case in the United States demonstrates how forensic genomics can resurrect justice from decades-old silence, the deserts of Agadez and the broader Saharan migration corridors reveal the other side of this genomic divide, where bodies lie nameless without dignified burial by their families (4). Without DNA infrastructure, these African tragedies remain unresolved, not for lack of a scientific method(s), but for lack of systemic commitment as a result of several fault lines.

Forensic genomics advancement in Africa remains impeded by structural and systemic challenges, even though it shows great promise.

A key challenge, however, is that many African countries lack well-equipped forensic laboratories and trained personnel. In most cases, labs are underfunded, even when they exist, leading to a lack of specialised training and a lack of advanced technological resources needed for high-throughput DNA analysis. But despite these limitations, over the past few decades, countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Mauritius, Botswana, Rwanda, Libya, Zambia, and Morocco have become forensic genomics case studies of continental momentum and not just isolated successes. These countries demonstrate that readiness is not aspirational, but it can be achieved, albeit the unevenness in forensic DNA infrastructure across the continent.

In Africa, there are very few genetic databases, making it harder for the full power of advanced forensic DNA technology to be realised. This situation is not the same in the US and Europe, where extensive forensic and consumer genetic databases have played key roles in solving cold cases (8). Among African countries, South Africa has the most developed genetic database, which is actively used for developing investigative leads, being influential in solving some criminal cases and sexually related cases. The regional disparity in forensic genomics infrastructure further exposes the gap in terms of using robust DNA databases to solve cases in other countries on the continent. The limited DNA databases further make it difficult to implement techniques like FIGG (9), which can help in solving high-profile as well as routine cold cases.

Lastly, Africa faces a huge hurdle in terms of legal and ethical concerns when it comes to the application of forensic genomics in many countries. Many African countries lack clear policies on DNA collection, storage, and use, raising concerns about privacy, consent, and potential misuse. The absence of legal standards and safeguards in some countries could lead to wrongful convictions, genetic surveillance, or even racial profiling. For us to address these concerns, we need to be transparent, adopt well-defined consent models, and develop legal protections. This would allow forensic genomics to gain widespread acceptance in many jurisdictions on the continent.

Realising the full potential of forensic genomics in Africa requires a multifaceted strategy. But how do we get there? Africa must consider investment in forensic infrastructure as a key priority. African governments must recognise forensic science as a critical tool for national development, and investment can save in terms of human value and in tangible costs. This means that funding modern laboratories and creating an enabling environment for partnerships between academia, law enforcement, and the private sector must be a national priority. This will drive technological advancements in the field of forensic genomics in Africa as well as build local expertise. Africa must develop well-regulated forensic DNA databases with clear privacy safeguards and strict access protocols to strengthen criminal investigations and protect individual rights. Unlike Europe and the US, where extensive genetic databases exist, African countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Francophone Africa do not have centralised, well-regulated national DNA registries.

There is also a need to support the development of legal frameworks in African countries. Comprehensive policies on DNA collection, storage and use are lacking in many African countries. This has led to ethical concerns around privacy and consent. African policymakers should draw insights from international best practices and adapt them to local cultural and legal contexts. Establishing independent forensic DNA oversight bodies could play a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability and preventing misuse.

Finally, it will take public trust and public engagement and education to unlock the full potential of a forensic genomic revolution in Africa. Many people are unfamiliar with forensic DNA technology, and misconceptions about its use persist. Public engagement could include education campaigns, community outreach to demystify forensic genomics, highlight the benefits and address the ethical concerns surrounding it. These activities could be key in enabling acceptance and public support for forensic genomics in Africa.

Soon, the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies will redefine the forensic genomics landscape in Africa. AI-powered algorithms promise to revolutionise forensic workflows by automating complex data analyses, reducing interpretive bias, and accelerating case resolutions. Blockchain technology, with its decentralised and immutable architecture, offers a robust framework for the secure storage and traceability of DNA evidence, mitigating risks of tampering, unauthorised access, or data misuse. Meanwhile, continued advancements in massively parallel sequencing will enhance the resolution of ancestry inference models, improve FIGG, and increase the discriminatory power of DNA profiling in Africa’s genetically diverse populations.

Technological evolution must be matched with institutional investment and must not be substituted with rhetoric or for policy, trust and public literacy. Academic institutions across the continent must proactively introduce undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional certification programs tailored to forensic genomics. Such capacity-building efforts must be complemented by transnational partnerships with world-leading forensic research institutions, non-governmental organisations, and global law enforcement agencies. These collaborations will provide access to frontier technologies, technical expertise, and funding opportunities. Collectively, they will strengthen Africa’s criminal justice systems as well as contribute directly to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16, promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions, which is foundational to the realisation of all other SDGS.

Forensic genomics application in Africa remains limited to a few countries with fully functional forensic DNA capacities. Bridging this disparity across the continent by expanding forensic genomics capacity across the continent could significantly enhance law enforcement’s ability to combat violent crime, terrorism, missing persons cases and human trafficking. Africa’s human rights investigations would benefit from forensic genomics. This would lead to the use of forensic DNA methods to investigate mass graves that have resulted from war crimes, ethnic conflicts and politically influenced violence, and bodies and remains which have remained unidentified. The integration of forensic genomics into African criminal justice systems is particularly important for countries recovering from civil war and authoritarian rule. Forensic genomics could be used to provide detailed evidence for local and international tribunals while strengthening transitional justice efforts across the continent. To fully leverage forensic genomics, African governments, scientists, academic institutions and legal experts should embrace investing in infrastructure, establishing ethical regulations, and fostering public trust. With strategic implementation, forensic genomics can strengthen justice and human rights across the continent.