South Africa is developing new approaches to integrate ethical benefit sharing into genomics research via community-led decisions. At the World Congress of Bioethics held in Johannesburg, Ngoni Ngwarai presented an operational framework for researchers and partners to apply ethical principles in practice. The congress marked its first time on African soil. African genetic diversity has aided global understanding of disease and therapies, yet participating communities often see limited returns. The presentation covered a Nature Communications study on applying benefit-sharing models to African genomics research. Led by University of the Witwatersrand researchers, it details real-world examples of embedding ethical sharing through community input. Unlike individual reimbursements, community benefit sharing directs resources to projects chosen by communities for lasting improvements. Ten percent of project budgets supported organizations serving participating populations in studies like SABR and ARK. The model emphasizes listening to communities to identify priorities rather than assuming needs. Challenges include procurement, maintenance, governance and avoiding undue influence. Approaches vary by location, using established advisory boards in some areas.
