Africa’s emerging role in precision oncology: translational insights from the harnessing functional genomics in cancer research conference, Windhoek, 23-26 September 2025

PURPOSE: Africa is entering a new era of cancer research, driven by renewed commitments to genomic innovation, data equity, and strengthened cancer registry systems. The "Harnessing Functional Genomics in Cancer Research: Opportunities for Diagnosis and Treatment" conference, held in Windhoek, Namibia, from 23 to 26 September 2025, convened leading experts to evaluate current progress and identify priorities for advancing cancer genomics and precision oncology across the continent. DESIGN: This conference synthesis report and narrative review drew on four days of expert-led presentations, interactive panel discussions, and structured delegate engagement sessions. Conference proceedings were documented through session minutes, presenter slide decks, recorded discussions, and post-conference feedback. Perspectives from more than 160 participants representing 21 countries were synthesized into priority thematic areas through an iterative drafting and multi-author review process. Conference findings were integrated with supporting peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify opportunities, challenges, and strategic priorities for advancing precision oncology in Africa. RESULTS: Discussions highlighted Africa's unparalleled human genomic diversity and its continued underrepresentation in global genomic datasets, emphasizing the need for African-led genomic discovery and precision oncology strategies. Key priorities included strengthening cancer registries and surveillance systems, expanding genomic infrastructure and workforce capacity, establishing ethical and sovereign data-governance frameworks, and improving the translation of genomic discoveries into clinical practice. Next-generation sequencing, multi-omics approaches, artificial intelligence, and collaborative research networks were identified as important enablers of equitable and sustainable precision oncology implementation across Africa. CONCLUSION: Africa's genetic diversity represents a critical resource for advancing precision oncology. Conference insights, supported by the literature, underscore the need for coordinated investments in genomic infrastructure, cancer surveillance systems, workforce development, ethical data governance, and translational implementation. Advancing these priorities will strengthen genomics-informed cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment while positioning Africa as an increasingly important contributor to global oncology innovation.