Vision
About BAN
Supporting Africa to navigate the opportunities and risks of emerging biotechnology.
BAN is an independent African policy institute advancing biosecurity and the responsible governance of emerging biotechnologies, including AI × Bio.
Why we exist
The pace of biotechnology is accelerating. Governance must keep up.
Breakthroughs in biotechnology can transform health, agriculture and development. They can also introduce new risks, deepen inequality and outpace existing laws and institutions.
African countries need locally grounded evidence, capable institutions and a meaningful voice in global decisions. BAN exists to help build that capacity.
Our direction
Mission
Strengthen African capacity through research, policy, leadership, partnerships and diplomacy.
Purpose
Enable institutions to anticipate change and develop evidence-based policy responses.
Our evolution
Cells for Peace & Prosperity
Our journey began with a campaign connecting biotechnology, peace and sustainable development through public engagement.
Policy engagement
The campaign opened opportunities to contribute African perspectives to biosecurity and biotechnology policy discussions.
A youth-led organisation
Building on this engagement, BAN developed into a youth-led organisation connecting people interested in responsible biotechnology and biological security.
An independent policy institute
BAN evolved into an independent African policy institute focused on research, policy advice, education and public engagement.
Leadership
Built across disciplines.
United by purpose.
Our leadership spans research, programmes, public diplomacy, partnerships and education.
Joyce Fati Masvaya
Founder
Research & Policy Advisory
Felix Kangwa
Chief Communications Officer
Public Diplomacy & Strategic Communications
Valentin Disashi
Chief Partnerships & Operations
Programmes & Strategic Partnerships
Jeremy Whaley
BAN Academy Lead
Education & Leadership Development