
OUR MISSION EXPLAINED IN 5 STEPS
Our goal is to help find solution based action in the fight against crime.
Through our experienced forensic DNA experts and key opinion leaders, we offer the data and policy information needed to make DNA database strategy decisions in the following ways:
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.
PODCAST SERIES
Vanessa Lynch, Regional Director of DNAforAfrica as she talks about the mission behind DNAforAfrica and her thoughts on how Africa can benefit from using DNA and DNA Databases to solve crime and assist victims of crime and GBV.

OLD / STORAGE / TEST
WE PRESENT TO
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Policy makers
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Lobbyists
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Politicians
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Law enforcement
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Legal institutions
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Scientific institutions
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Academic institutions
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Corporates
• LET'S TALK ABOUT DNA • LET'S TALK ABOUT DNA • LET'S TALK ABOUT DNA • LET'S TALK ABOUT DNA
LET'S TALK ABOUT DNA


DNAforAFRICA
is a unique platform created to
facilitate an all-African network around forensic DNA profiling.
We inform, work and connect with DNA crusaders,
change advocates and policy makers,
in our goal to fight crime with solutions-based action.
#LET'S TALK ABOUT DNA
DNA CAPACITY
8%
DNA POLICY
8%
DNA LAWS
3%
DNA DATABASES
6%
WORLDWIDE
82%
AFRICA
6,5%
CURRENT EXTENT
OF DNA PROFILING IN AFRICA
Vanessa Lynch
LOBBYIST
Vanessa Lynch is the Regional Director for DNA for Africa, and a Senior Government Affairs Consultant at GTH-GA, based in South Africa. Vanessa has extensive experience leading nationwide policy initiatives and working with governments to advance dynamic legislative and policy changes.
Vanessa founded The DNA Project in 2005, and in 2021 launched @DNAforAfrica, dedicated to the use of advocacy outreach and forensic expertise to aid the development of DNA databases and casework programs throughout Africa.
Vanessa is regarded as a key opinion leader in the field of Forensic DNA policy and has been lauded for her leadership in driving the adoption of legislation to administer South Africa’s national DNA database, the first of its kind on the African continent. Serving as Deputy Chair of the National Forensic Oversight and Ethics Board (SA), she monitored the implementation of the provisions of the DNA Act in its first five years and now serves on the Forensic Databasing Advisory Board (FDAB) for the ISFG.
Prior to her work in forensic DNA, Vanessa held various legal positions, including legal advisor for an international contactless payment solutions company and as a commercial associate in a London law firm.
Vanessa completed her Law degree at the University of Cape Town in 1992 and recently submitted her research in forensic DNA profiling for her doctorate in Law at the University of Stellenbosch.

RESOURCES
DNA CAPACITY / DNA POLICY / DNA LAWS / DNA DATABASE
Solution based action in response to this shortfall requires the support of policy makers to pass DNA specific legislation or review the existing laws regulating the use of forensic DNA as evidence and the administration of DNA databases in more regions in Africa.

DNA CAPACITY
As a result of an increased awareness of the potential for DNA evidence to help solve criminal cases, the demand for DNA testing continues to grow nationwide. Crime laboratories now process more DNA than ever before.

DNA POLICY
Policy provides a framework to guide government decisions such as legislation and budget; ensuring that the government is working toward a common goal. Although policy is not a law, law must be guided by current government policy, and it will often identify laws needed to achieve its goals.

DNA LAWS
Legislation refers to the preparation and enactment of laws by a legislative body through its lawmaking process. ... A bill is a draft, or tentative version, of what might become part of the written law. A bill that is enacted is called an act or statute.

DNA DATABASES
A DNA database is a government database of DNA profiles and/or DNA samples (DNA Databank) which can be used by law enforcement agencies to identify suspects of crimes. ... These databases are effective because a majority of crimes are committed by repeated offenders.
OUR UPDATES
IN THE FORENSIC DNA WORLD
ACADEMIC RESOURCE

NEWSLETTER

EDUCATION









Vanessa
Lynch
Wangu
Kanja
Prof. Lisa
Smith
Dr John
Mungai
Prof. Bruce Budowle
Mr. Stephen Fonseca - ICRC






ICRC
Prof. Marion Mutugi
Ashley Spence
RAINN
Kenya
Uganda
Tanzania