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Received 5 August 2005.

Abstract

Like many other countries around the world South Africa is keen to develop its biotech capabilities. A vibrant biotech sector could have economic benefits and could also play a useful role in tackling diseases that predominantly affect South Africa but are currently underserved by the R&D efforts of multinational companies. However, South Africa's R&D infrastructure must be upgraded to meet the needs of the modern biotechnology sector, which relies on the latest advances in genetics and genomics. In 2001, recognising the challenges it faced in developing a mature biotech industry, the South African government published its National Biotech Strategy and allocated initial funding for a number of biotechnology regional innovation centres. There is also hope that South Africa's efforts to develop its biotech sector can serve as a useful example for developing countries around the world, but particularly for those within Africa.