The Centre of Excellence for Diagnostic Research and Innovation (CEDRI), based at Africa CDC headquarters in Addis Ababa, is strengthening laboratory capacity for disease detection, surveillance, research and outbreak response across the continent.
The reference laboratory brings together advanced molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing and specialised biosafety facilities. These capabilities enable earlier detection of emerging pathogens, identification of disease transmission patterns and generation of scientific evidence to inform public health decisions. Wastewater surveillance provides an additional way to detect pathogens circulating in communities, potentially before outbreaks are identified through clinical surveillance.
CEDRI complements Africa CDC’s Pathogen Genomics Initiative, which has contributed to expanding genomic sequencing capacity from seven African countries in 2019 to 54. The laboratory also advances research into antimicrobial resistance and strengthens technical expertise through training and collaboration with African Union Member States.
The laboratory is already contributing to outbreak response, including processing 1,200 arbovirus samples from eastern Ethiopia and supplying diagnostic materials for Ebola and Marburg emergencies. Its first large-scale training programme brought together 31 laboratory professionals from 16 Member States.
As CEDRI moves toward full operational capacity, Africa CDC is prioritising expanded diagnostic services, research, workforce development, and laboratory partnerships to strengthen disease surveillance, preparedness and coordinated public health responses.
