Neuropsychiatry genetics in Africa

Across Africa, rising mental health needs coincide with rapid advances in genomics, digital health and continental policy reform. Yet research into the genetic, environmental and social determinants of neuropsychiatric illness remains sparse and underfunded. This review argues that African leadership in neuropsychiatric genetics can strengthen discovery, guide prevention and care, and support equitable precision public health, provided that investment in cohorts, informatics, governance and workforce development is sustained and scaled. By linking the advancement of genomics to health systems, biobanking and translational innovation, Africa can define globally-relevant models of inclusive mental health research, care and sustainable development. In this review, the authors, examine how African neuropsychiatric genetics can connect genomic discovery, mental health systems and translational infrastructure. It highlights opportunities for African-led cohorts, governance and implementation to shape inclusive precision mental health.