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Renowned food scientist Professor Ruth Oniango has called on African governments to overhaul regulatory systems that are slowing innovation and delaying commercialization of new products. She argues that burdensome regulatory frameworks are stifling innovation across Africa, forcing innovators to spend years navigating processes that should take only a fraction of the time. Professor Oniango urges governments, lawmakers, and regulatory agencies to harmonize rules and streamline approval processes, noting that unnecessary bureaucracy is preventing promising innovations from reaching the market.

Professor Ruth Oniango has urged African governments to dismantle innovation regulatory barriers to unlock bioeconomy potential. Speaking at the BioInnovate Africa Making Ideas Investable Boot Camp in Nairobi, Professor Oniango warned that regulatory frameworks are stifling innovation across Africa and slowing the commercialization of homegrown bioeconomy solutions. This is a critical issue for the continent's economic development, as it denies much-needed jobs and investment.

The bioeconomy has immense potential in Africa due to its rich natural resources. Global demand for natural and organic products is rising, driven by consumer awareness of health and sustainability. However, regulatory barriers are hindering innovation, forcing innovators to spend years navigating processes that should take only a fraction of the time. This is particularly evident in the East African region, where regional integration efforts have not yet eliminated lengthy regulatory hurdles for cross-border trade.

Professor Oniango's call to action highlights the need for governments and regulatory agencies to harmonize rules and streamline approval processes. Unnecessary bureaucracy is preventing promising innovations from reaching the market, denying the continent much-needed jobs and investment. The professor also emphasizes the importance of engaging parliamentarians, policymakers, and regulators in pushing for reforms that encourage innovation rather than hinder it.

African governments must take Professor Oniango's call to action seriously and overhaul regulatory systems to unlock bioeconomy potential. This requires harmonizing rules, streamlining approval processes, and creating a policy environment that supports innovation. By doing so, the continent can transform its economies, create jobs, and become a global leader in the bioeconomy.