Inqaba Biotec is pleased to announce a major scientific breakthrough achieved through a collaborative effort with Malimbe Foundation, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP). Together, we have successfully produced the first chromosome-scale, annotated genome assembly of the white star apple (Gambeya albida), an iconic indigenous fruit tree of West and Central Africa. This achievement marks a significant step forward for African-led genomics, conservation, and agricultural research.
The genome project was jointly led by scientists from the participating institutions, with Dr Michael Landi as lead author, Abiodun Lukman Aroworamimo representing Inqaba Biotec’s leadership in local sequencing analysis; Dr. Adewale G. Awoyemi and Dr. Andreas Gisel providing scientific leadership from IITA; and Dr. ThankGod Echezona Ebenezer guiding the work under the African BioGenome Project, particularly its ethics and data-governance framework.
The white star apple, also known locally as Agbalumo, Udara, Agwaliba, and Alasa—is widely consumed across West Africa and valued for its rich vitamin content, medicinal uses, cultural importance, and contribution to household incomes. Despite its economic and cultural relevance, the species has remained genetically under-characterized, limiting opportunities for conservation, varietal improvement, and industrial applications. The new genome fills this critical gap. Using PacBio HiFi long-read sequencing combined with Omni-C scaffolding, we’ve produced an 822 Mbp haploid genome assembled into thirteen chromosomes. This resource provides, for the first time, a comprehensive view of the genetic basis underlying the fruit’s nutritional, medicinal, and metabolic properties.
Beyond its scientific value, the project demonstrates the rapidly expanding genomic capabilities within Africa. All the sequencing, assembly, annotation, and validation was conducted using local expertise and infrastructure. The collaboration also highlights the strengthening of partnerships among African research organizations, enabling high-impact genomic discoveries that directly benefit local communities and ecosystems.
The data has been made publicly available through NCBI SRA repository, the manuscript is currently under peer review. This newly generated genome will support ongoing efforts to conserve the white star apple, which faces threats from habitat loss, overexploitation, and environmental change. It will also enable future research into fruit quality traits, phytochemical pathways, domestication potential, and improved propagation practices. For breeders, nutritionists, conservationists and policymakers, the genome offers a foundational tool to unlock the species’ agricultural and economic potential.
Inqaba Biotec, together its partners celebrates this achievement as a landmark contribution to African genomics. The institutions look forward to future collaborations that advance the understanding, conservation and sustainable use of Africa’s plant biodiversity.