BioStruct-Africa’s scalable framework for AlphaFold-enabled research training and sustainable workforce development in Africa

Communications Biology 2026 Open access

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Authors: Justice Ohene Amofa, Juergen George, Noella A. Okumu, Moses Ohene, Ermias M. Terefe, Stany L. Tsomene, Oluwatodimu C. Tougue, Ifeoluwa O Bejide, Kevin C. Nabukeera, Anita Y. Nelson, Carlos S. D. Tagne, Patrick Y. Osabutey
+68 more Aminata Ndiaye, David O. Nkwe, Emmanuel Chukwudalu Ohaekenyem, Tolulope F. Jolaiya, Harrison Banda, Omorede Ikponmwosa-Eweka, Woutouoba Ntieche David, Blessing B Ekpenyong, Abdoulaye Segda, Oudou DIABATE, Aliyi Hassen Jarso, Kaddu Arafat, Alyaa Elrashedy, Mulatu M. Yadeta, Zipporah B. Richard, Isaac E. Omara, Thoko Ndaba, InnocentMary I. Ejiofor, Pierre F. R. Magwell, Mohamed El-Sayed Ali Sedeek, Linda O. Lazaro, Regan M. Nyoni, Rossel A. Oketch, Walter Odur, Yaser M. Hassan, Peris Ambala, Courage Chandipwisa, Osim P. Bassey, Laurah N. Ondari, Udokang G. Jonah, Christelle A. Amoussou, Racheal C. Kyomukama, Cedric Yamssi, Sunday Cecilia James, Abdoul K. Kone, Oumar Ndiaye, Henry Ssenfuka, Agatha K. Nyang’au, Yohana Amos, Hakiimu Kawalya, Bernard Mware, Washingtone J. Adundo, Vanessa Brigitte Ngannang-Fezeu, Alphonse G. Tandja, Ahmed H. Abdellatif, Oladokun F. Omowumi, Nsubuga Moses Luutu, Angelo K. B. Kouman, Doaa S. Soliman, Nehemiah K. Essilfie, James J. Wabwile, Safiétou Sankhe, Fatoumata G. Fofana, Walid Heiba, Nasser Yao, Appolinaire Djikeng, Eva Akurut, Andrew Walakira, Aurélien F. A. Moumbock, Julia J. Griese, Calvin Tiengwe, Mama Ndi, Itziar Serna Martin, Michel Fodje, Nicolas Rüffin, Katharina Cramer, Jamaine Davis, Emmanuel Nji
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-026-09711-x
Cited by: 2
References: 6

Abstract

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming structural biology and accelerating access to protein structures, yet many Africa-based scientists still lack infrastructure, training opportunities, and sustained mentorship to fully benefit. Here, we describe BioStruct-Africa’s community-driven framework integrating AlphaFold, experimental structural biology, and computational drug design to train 1000 scientists over the next decade.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Genetics Bioinformatics and Biomedical Research Global Health and Surgery Aquatic Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Publication details

Journal / source
Communications Biology
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
9
Issue
1
Publication date
25 February 2026
Language
EN