The African Union (AU) has committed to supporting the adoption of both new and existing technologies to improve health in the region through the Health Research and Innovation Strategy for Africa (HRISA): 2018–2030.3 To implement this, the African Union High-Level Panel on Emerging Health Technologies (APET) of the African Union Development Agency (AUDA)-NEPAD has prioritised several emerging technologies that have the potential to significantly reduce the disease burden of the continent, including gene drive technology for malaria control and elimination.

This policy brief highlights the status of ongoing efforts on the development of gene drive technology for malaria control, critical issues in the development and their implications on policy, and recommended policy actions.