The Middle East and Africa genomics market is expected to reach US$ 1,179.91 million in 2027 from US$ 480.94 million in 2019. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% from 2019–2027.
The growth of the Middle East and Africa genomics market is attributed to key driving factors such as immense growth in the research & development activities across the region and the rise in government initiatives in the market. However, multiple issues faced by professionals in the genomics market hinder the market growth.
The government of the countries in Middle East and Africa contribute significantly to the promotion of advanced technologies such as gene synthesis. Also, the government is launching various programs to generate genomic data to improve people's health and well-being. For instance, in December 2019, The Department of Health - Abu Dhabi launched the Genome Program, a national project set to use large-scale genomic data. The project will use advanced sequencing technology to generate the highest quality genome data. The program will be led by the Department of Health - Abu Dhabi (DoH) and delivered by Group 42, collaborating with global genome sequencing leaders BGI and Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Furthermore, in December 2020, The UAE government launched an initiative to set up state-of-the-art Genome Centre to utilize the benefits of genetic science and to implement modern and innovative techniques, which include DNA sequencing, profiling, and micro-array. The initiative will help in controlling the spread of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes and cancer. The Qatar Genome Programme (QGP) is a population-based project combining whole genome sequencing and other omics data with phenotypic data collected at Qatar Biobank. The Health Institutes of Turkey (TUSEB) initiated the Turkish Genome Project to sequence 100,000 genomes from healthy individuals and rare and complex disease patients. Therefore, the increase in the government initiatives, such as genome sequencing programs, for the development of the genomics market boost the market growth.
Countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia registered a significant number of COVID-19 positive patients. This region is developing in terms of the medical industry. The countries in this region are highly dependent on medical devices and pharmaceutical products. Therefore, they have faced several challenges for their requirements. South Africa’s new SARS-CoV-2 variant was discovered by genome sequencing, the key to identifying the more transmissible variant. The new strain was found in late November in 2020 and was announced a month later after further research and analysis. South Africa, which has weathered the COVID-19 storm relatively well, is now facing a surge in cases. Therefore, many organizations are collaborating with others to overcome this outbreak by sequencing the COVID-19 virus with the help of government initiative and funding. For instance, in October 2020, a $100 million initiative launched to expand next-generation genomic sequencing tool and expertise across the African continent, which could be used to tackle disease outbreaks more effectively. In addition, Microsoft provided technical assistance and resources to support Africa PGI’s digital architecture design and build. Moreover, in Kuwait, it was found that two variations in the ACE2 gene could make Europeans more susceptible to COVID-19 infection compared with people from the Middle East. The scientists also found potentially protective variations in the FURIN gene, which is involved in facilitating viral entry, and was more common in Kuwait and Qatar. Also, at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Saudi Arabia, the Rapid Research Response Team COVID-19 is developing rapid diagnostics and bioinformatics tools to help track the spread evolution of the disease. The initiative intends to strengthen public health surveillance and laboratory networks across the continent by presenting genomic sequencing tools, expertise, and training. Such initiatives would propel the growth for genomic market in long run.
Based on technology, the Middle East and Africa genomics market is segmented into sequencing, microarray, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), nucleic acid extraction and purification, and others. The sequencing segment held the largest market share in 2019, whereas the microarray segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
Based on product and service, the Middle East and Africa genomics market is segmented into instruments/systems, consumables, and services. The consumables segment held the largest market share in 2019, whereas the services segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the market during 2019–2027.
The Middle East and Africa genomics market, based on application, is segmented into diagnostics, drug discovery and development, precision/personalized medicine, agriculture & animal research, and others. The diagnostics segment held the largest market share in 2019, also the same segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the market during the forecast period.
Based on end user, the Middle East and Africa genomics market is segmented into research centers, hospitals and clinics, pharmaceutical & biotechnology companies, and others. In 2019, the research centers segment held the largest share of the market, whereas the hospitals and clinics segment is anticipated to register the highest CAGR in the market from 2019 to 2027.
A few of the primary and secondary sources referred to while preparing the report on the Middle East and Africa genomics market are the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR).