The International Longevity Summit Africa 2023 (ILS Africa) brought together world-leading experts to explore opportunities and challenges on the continent’s path towards longevity and healthy ageing.
Held from 23-24 August, experts in the fields of longevity, biotechnology, transhumanism and policy met for ILS Africa which shone a spotlight on the continent’s potential in the global longevity and biotech landscape.
Hosted by Afrolongevity, a non-profit organisation that promotes research, education and advocacy for healthy ageing and longevity, the event welcomed participants from 33 countries around the world, with representatives from organisations such as LEV Foundation, Rejuve.ai, GlycanAge, Humanity Plus, SENS Research Foundation and AISA Therapeutics.
Keynote speeches, panel discussions and presentations included topics such as ageing biology, regenerative medicine, biomarkers, AI, ethics, social impact and entrepreneurship, with speakers including HRH Prince Itumeleng Shole of the Batloung Ba Ga Shole, Mr Danny Molefi Thupane the Mayo of Mogale City, Ms Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the MEC for Health and Wellness Gauteng Province of South Africa, alongside a number of past presidents of The American Aging Association.
As well as showcasing some of the projects and initiatives currently being developed to foster longevity and biotech in Africa, the summit addressed the challenges and the gaps which must be filled in order for citizens to benefit from advances in these fields.
The event was deemed to be a success, making a milestone in the history of Afrolongevity and parent company, TAFFDs.
Osinakachi Akuma Kalu, founder and board of directors chair of TAFFDs closed the summit, emphasising the need for the longevity community to be ‘united and supportive’ of each other without selective aids. He also stressed the need to make opportunities and programs accessible and available for everyone interested in healthy longevity and biotechnology in Africa.
