The role of open-source bioinformatics tools in resource-limited African settings

Bioinformatics is revolutionizing biological research and healthcare worldwide, yet many African countries face significant challenges due to limited access to registered tools and infrastructure. Despite these challenges, open-source bioinformatics tools provide a cost-effective alternative, driving scientific progress. This systematic review examines their impact and applications in resource-limited African settings, particularly in genomics, drug discovery, disease surveillance, and structural biology. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online was conducted using keywords such as “open-source bioinformatics,” “Africa,” and “genomics,” covering studies from 2015 to 2024. The findings highlight significant contributions across multiple fields. In genomics, studies on sickle cell anemia in Nigeria identified novel single nucleotide polymorphisms using FastQC and Burrow–Wheeler alignment, improving genetic counseling and personalized treatments. Crop genomics research in Kenya pinpointed drought-resistance genes, enhancing food security. In disease surveillance, Nextstrain facilitated real-time tracking of viral mutations during the Ebola and COVID-19 outbreaks, shaping public health responses and vaccination strategies. In drug discovery, computational docking with AutoDock identified promising antimalarial and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis drug candidates in Uganda and South Africa, wherease molecular dynamics simulation and binding free energy analysis refined drug-target interactions. Structural biology contributions from African researchers to the Protein Data Bank have provided crucial insights for disease-specific treatments, such as targeting malaria-related proteins. In addition, absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity predictive models have been employed to assess the pharmacokinetics and toxicity profiles of novel drug candidates, reducing reliance on costly experimental studies. These findings underscore the transformative potential of open-source bioinformatics tools in enabling high-quality research and innovation in Africa.