Our Strategic Priorities
The investigation and prosecution of violent crimes, such as sexual assaults, homicides and other serious offences, have changed as a result of advancements in forensic science, information technology, and healthcare. However, in many African countries, forensic investigations still suffer from limited infrastructure, a shortage of experts, and inadequate forensic education programs.
Unlike developed nations where forensic science plays a crucial role in criminal investigations, law enforcement agencies in Africa often lack the resources to process DNA, toxicology, and trace evidence. All of these are critical in cases like sexual assault and homicide and have led to significant laboratory backlogs. Several studies have also demonstrated that there is a lack of capacity to analyze a large volume of evidence quickly and efficiently. Additionally, evidence from cold cases adds to this growing backlog, resulting in offenders going unpunished and victims waiting months, years, or even decades to see their perpetrators brought to justice if their cases make it that far.
There is a need to:
Optimize the current workflow of forensic professionals and crime scene investigators.
Increase capacity to analyze evidence quickly and efficiently for effective justice.
Improve quality control standards for effective justice.
How we are addressing the needs:
Forensic Infrastructure and Capacity
In Nigeria and many African countries, forensic investigations face significant challenges due to a lack of forensic laboratories and an insufficient number of trained forensic experts. Unlike developed nations where forensic science is integral to criminal investigations, many African countries still struggle with inadequate infrastructure, limited resources, and a shortage of forensic education programs. A 2011 research by Oluwafemi Ladapo identified the lack of forensic science facilities and experts as a major challenge to Nigeria’s effective investigation and criminal justice administration.
Without dedicated forensic laboratories, law enforcement agencies often rely on external institutions for forensic analysis, leading to delays, increased costs, and inefficiencies in criminal investigations. Additionally, the lack of trained forensic professionals means that critical forensic tasks such as post-mortem examinations, DNA analysis, and crime scene investigations are often performed by general medical practitioners or sent abroad, further exacerbating the backlog of unresolved cases.
To address these challenges, we are committed to expanding forensic capacity by investing in forensic science laboratories, developing specialized training programs, and equipping forensic professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to streamline evidence analysis workflows, reduce case backlogs, and improve the overall efficiency of criminal investigations. By strengthening forensic infrastructure and workforce development, we aim to improve the efficiency of crime investigations, ensure justice for victims, and enhance the credibility of forensic evidence in legal proceedings across Africa.
Policy Advocacy and Systemic Reform
Research shows that forensic science plays a crucial role in solving criminal cases and strengthening justice systems. However, challenges such as inadequate regulatory frameworks, fragmented policies, and limited governmental prioritization hinder the full potential of forensic science in Africa. Many countries lack comprehensive forensic legislation, standardized protocols for evidence handling, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure the proper use of forensic evidence in legal proceedings.
For example, forensic evidence has been instrumental in securing convictions in high-profile cases across countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. However, gaps in legislation, outdated investigative procedures, and inconsistent use of forensic methods have led to wrongful acquittals, prolonged trials, and case dismissals. Forensic science remains underutilized without strong policies and governance structures, and justice is often delayed or denied.
To address this, our organization actively engages with policymakers, judicial bodies, and law enforcement agencies to integrate forensic science into national justice systems. By advocating for forensic-friendly policies, strengthening regulatory systems, and pushing for increased budget allocations, we aim to create an enabling environment where forensic science is recognized as an essential pillar of the criminal justice system. Learning from global best practices, we work to develop and promote policies that ensure forensic evidence is properly collected, analyzed, and admitted in court.
Training and Capacity Development
A well-trained forensic workforce is essential for effective criminal investigations, yet many African countries face a severe shortage of forensic professionals, laboratories, and academic programs dedicated to forensic science. This gap results in a reliance on foreign expertise, excessive case backlogs, and delays in justice delivery.
To address this, we are committed to developing specialized training programs, fellowships, and academic partnerships that equip forensic professionals, law enforcement agencies, and crime scene investigators with the skills they need. By fostering a new generation of forensic experts through hands-on training, research opportunities, and mentorship, we are building local capacity to analyze evidence quickly and efficiently, strengthening justice systems across the continent.
Forensic Research and Innovation
Forensic science in Africa faces critical challenges, including limited funding, outdated infrastructure, and a shortage of trained professionals. Many countries lack modern forensic laboratories, standardized investigative approaches, and access to cutting-edge forensic technologies such as DNA analysis and digital forensics. These gaps hinder the efficiency, credibility, and admissibility of forensic evidence, ultimately delaying justice and reducing resolution rates.
To address these challenges, we are committed to driving forensic research and innovation by integrating emerging technologies, improving forensic methodologies, and fostering global collaborations. Our programs and initiatives focus on strengthening forensic databases, enhancing digital forensic capabilities, and developing AI-driven forensic tools that improve the accuracy and efficiency of crime scene investigations. By advancing research and innovation, we are building a resilient forensic ecosystem that accelerates case resolutions, strengthens justice systems, and ensures that no case is left unresolved.
Quality Standards and Ethical Practices
Establishing rigorous quality control measures, accreditation frameworks, and ethical guidelines is essential to upholding the credibility and reliability of forensic evidence in court. Research shows that forensic laboratories lacking accreditation often struggle with conformance to standardized procedures, leading to inconsistencies in forensic analyses and challenges in court admissibility. Without proper oversight, forensic errors can compromise investigations and weaken public trust in the justice system.
To address these challenges, we advocate for the establishment of statutory regulatory bodies to oversee forensic science standards and enforcement. By implementing robust quality management systems, competency assessments, and compliance with internationally recognized forensic standards, we ensure that forensic evidence meets the highest levels of reliability and integrity. Beyond accreditation, forensic laboratories must adhere to best practices through external reviews, ongoing training, and ethical governance.
Through strategic collaborations, we aim to build a forensic ecosystem where scientific rigor, ethical integrity, and accountability drive forensic investigations and justice outcomes. Strengthening forensic quality assurance measures will not only enhance case resolutions but also reinforce trust in forensic science as a pillar of the criminal justice system.