Middle East & Africa Genomics Market Outlook to 2030

Middle East & Africa Genomics Market Overview

• Middle East & Africa Genomics Market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2023, driven by advancements in precision medicine, personalized healthcare, and increasing adoption of genomics technologies in research and clinical settings. Key factors include expanding research funding, growing demand for genomic sequencing, and applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics.
• Major players in the MEA Genomics Market include Illumina Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., BGI Genomics Co., Agilent Technologies, and Qiagen N.V. These companies dominate the market by offering comprehensive genomics solutions, including sequencing platforms, reagents, and analysis tools.
• In 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific recently announced a collaboration with Pfizer to help increase local access to next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based testing for lung and breast cancer patients in more than 30 countries across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and Asia. This partnership aims to make advanced genomic testing more widely available in regions where it has previously been limited or unavailable.
• Cities like Dubai, Tel Aviv, and Johannesburg dominate the MEA genomics market due to their advanced healthcare infrastructure and investment in cutting-edge research facilities. These cities house leading universities, research institutions, and biotechnology companies that drive innovation and adoption of genomic technologies.

Middle East & Africa Genomics Market Segmentation

By Product Type: The MEA Genomics Market is segmented by product type into sequencing platforms, consumables, and bioinformatics tools. In 2023, sequencing platforms held a dominant market share due to their widespread use in research and clinical applications. The integration of NGS platforms for disease diagnostics and research on genetic mutations has propelled the demand for these technologies.

By Application: The genomics market in MEA is segmented by application into diagnostics, drug discovery, and agriculture genomics. Diagnostics dominate the segment in 2023, accounting for the largest market share due to the growing demand for genetic testing for cancer, rare diseases, and prenatal screening. Genetic testing for cancer treatments, particularly in South Africa and Israel, has seen a sharp increase, driven by government healthcare programs and growing awareness of personalized medicines benefits.

By Region: MEA Genomics Market is segmented into Israel, UAE, Jordan, Morocco, South Africa, and the rest of MEA. In 2023, Israel held the largest market share due to its advanced research institutions and significant investments in biotechnology. The countrys strong innovation ecosystem, supported by government funding and partnerships between academia and industry, has placed it at the forefront of genomics research and commercialization.

Middle East & Africa Genomics Market Competitive Landscape

• Illumina Inc.: In 2024, Illumina is collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health to integrate genomics into the standard of care in the UAE. This partnership is part of Illumina's broader efforts to enhance genomic testing and research capabilities across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, aiming to improve healthcare outcomes through advanced genomic insights.
• BGI Genomics: In 2023, Genalive, a clinical laboratory in Saudi Arabia, has achieved CAP accreditation, showcasing its high standards in laboratory testing and management. Genalive utilizes advanced technologies and a skilled team to offer services like genetic screening and oncology. The CAP audit confirmed its excellence in various operational aspects, supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by enhancing local healthcare capabilities and reducing service outsourcing.

Middle East & Africa Genomics Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers:

• Rising Demand for Genetic Testing in Healthcare: Between 2021 and 2024, the demand for genetic testing in the healthcare sector across the Middle East & Africa has increased significantly, particularly for diagnosing hereditary diseases and cancer. The demand for specific types of genetic testing, such as prenatal testing and non-invasive screening, is on the rise. For instance, several countries in the region have mandated premarital screening for hemoglobinopathies, significantly reducing the prevalence of conditions like sickle cell disease in Bahrain.
• Expanding Agricultural Genomics in Africa: Current trends indicate that annual yield increases for major crops range between 0.9% and 1.6%. However, to meet future global food demands, an estimated 2.4% annual yield gain is required. The use of genomic data in developing disease-resistant crops is helping to tackle food security issues in Africa, making this a vital sector of the genomics market.
• Increased Government Funding for Genomic Research: Governments across the Middle East are actively funding genomics research as part of their national healthcare improvement plans. The Emirati Genome Program (EGP) was launched in 2021 with a target of sequencing 1,000,000 genomes. As of 2022, they have sequenced 180,000 samples, which is 15.52% of their target population size. This influx of funding aims to support the local biotechnology and healthcare industries in improving patient outcomes.

Challenges:

• High Costs of Genomic Sequencing Technologies: Despite the advancements, the high cost of genomic sequencing remains a significant barrier to broader adoption across the MEA region. The lack of cost-effective alternatives in low-income regions, especially in Africa, has slowed the adoption of genomics-based solutions in public healthcare, limiting their accessibility to wealthier countries in the Middle East.
• Data Privacy and Ethical Concerns: As the demand for genomic data grows, so do concerns about data privacy and ethical use. Governments in the Middle East, particularly in the UAE and Israel, have introduced stringent regulations to protect genomic data. However, concerns remain over potential misuse of genetic data, especially in countries without strong regulatory frameworks, presenting an ongoing challenge for the market.

Government Initiatives:

• Emirati Genome Program: The Emirati Genome Program was launched in the first trimester of 2021. This initiative aims to generate deep genomic insights relevant to the Emirati population and is part of a broader strategy to enhance healthcare through personalized medicine and preventive measures. The program includes the UAE Reference Genome study, which analyzes over 50,000 genome samples to identify genetic health risks specific to the Emirati population. This foundational work will support personalized treatment and preventive healthcare strategies.
• Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative: The Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative (Africa PGI) was launched on 2020. The initiative aims to enhance genomic surveillance and molecular diagnostics across Africa, contributing significantly to public health responses to various diseases, including COVID-19 and endemic diseases like HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. The goal is to mortify multi-pathogen molecular detection and sequencing capabilities in African Union member states.

Middle East & Africa Genomics Future Market Outlook

Middle East & Africa Genomics Market is expected to witness significant growth over the next five years, driven by increasing government investments, rising demand for personalized medicine, and expanding applications in agriculture.

Future Trends

• Advancement in Precision Medicine: Precision medicine is expected to become a key focus in the MEA genomics market, particularly in Israel and the UAE. With continued government support, genomic data will be increasingly integrated into healthcare systems to provide personalized treatment options for chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes. This trend will drive the adoption of genomic sequencing in public healthcare programs across the region.
• Growth in Agricultural Genomics: The application of genomics in agriculture is projected to grow significantly, especially in Africa. countries like South Africa and Morocco will lead in using genomic technologies to enhance crop yields and improve food security. The focus will be on developing genetically modified crops that are resistant to climate change and pests, ensuring sustainable agricultural practices in the region.