GMOs and Africa’s food security: safety and potential for sustainable development

BACKGROUND: Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are promoted as tools to strengthen food security in Africa, yet their adoption varies across countries due to regulatory diversity, infrastructural challenges, and cultural perceptions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for evidence-based policymaking. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to assess the current status of GMO adoption in Africa, evaluate its impacts on food production and livelihoods, and analyze the roles of stakeholders in shaping regulatory approaches and public acceptance. METHODS: A narrative review of peer-reviewed literature published from June 2024 to July 2025 was performed using PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Papers were included if they were in English, Africa-focused, empirically grounded, and addressed agriculture, food security, biodiversity, regulation, or socioeconomic outcomes. From 245 articles screened, 73 met inclusion criteria after title/abstract and full-text review. Data extracted covered geographical scope, crop type, outcomes (e.g., yield, pesticide use, biodiversity), regulatory settings, and stakeholder influence. Findings were synthesized thematically, with attention to cross-regional variation. RESULTS: The evidence shows that South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Sudan have progressed in GMO commercialization, while many other countries remain cautious due to biosafety concerns, regulatory uncertainty, and cultural resistance. GMOs demonstrate potential to increase yields, reduce pesticide dependence, and improve drought resilience. However, benefits are uneven and shaped by infrastructure, policy quality, and societal acceptance. CONCLUSION: Compared with agroecology and conventional breeding, GMOs provide significant but context-dependent advantages. Achieving sustainable adoption in Africa will require coherent policy frameworks, investment in rural infrastructure, and inclusive engagement with diverse public perspectives to ensure equitable benefits and protection of biodiversity.