Drug Discovery Technologies Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth Outlook

The Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Size is estimated to register 13.2% growth over the forecast period from 2024 to 2030.

 

The market growth is driven by an increasing growing prevalence of complex diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, and rare diseases, which is driving the demand for innovative and effective therapeutics. Drug discovery technologies play a crucial role in identifying new drug candidates that can address unmet medical needs. Leading Companies focusing on the Integration of Quantum Computing, Expanding Applications of CRISPR Technology, Advancements in Organ-on-a-Chip Technology, and others to boost market shares in the industry.

 

Drug Discovery Technologies Market Overview

The drug discovery technologies market encompasses a diverse array of tools and methodologies aimed at identifying and developing new pharmaceutical compounds. Key components include high-throughput screening for rapid compound testing, omics technologies (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics), computational biology, structural biology, combinatorial chemistry, and personalized medicine approaches. Collaborations between pharmaceutical entities and technology providers are common, facilitating knowledge exchange and resource sharing. Challenges include the time and cost-intensive nature of drug discovery, with future trends focusing on quantum computing integration, CRISPR technology advancements, and the ongoing evolution of organ-on-a-chip platforms. Regulatory support for innovative technologies and a growing emphasis on personalized medicine are shaping the trajectory of the field.

 

Drug Discovery Technologies Market Dynamics

Market Trends- High-throughput screening (HTS) technologies are revolutionizing drug discovery by rapidly identifying promising drug candidates, leading to a faster search for new medications.

High-throughput screening (HTS) technologies are revolutionizing drug discovery, significantly expediting the identification of potential drug candidates. This acceleration is crucial for the rapid search and development of new medications. HTS involves the automated screening of extensive compound libraries to evaluate their biological activity, enabling researchers to swiftly analyze thousands or even millions of compounds. This approach not only speeds up the identification of promising drug candidates but also enhances the overall efficiency of the drug development pipeline. The incorporation of robotics and automation in HTS contributes to a more streamlined and high-speed screening process, ultimately facilitating the discovery of novel therapeutics for various diseases.

 

Market Driver- The rise of personalized medicine and targeted therapies is driving demand in the drug discovery technologies market.

The surge in demand for drug discovery technologies is strongly driven by the increasing prominence of personalized medicine and targeted therapies. Personalized medicine entails customizing medical treatments based on individual patient characteristics, encompassing factors like genetic makeup, molecular profile, and pertinent clinical data. The primary objective is to enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing side effects. Drug discovery technologies are integral to advancing personalized medicine initiatives, facilitating the identification of specific biomarkers, comprehending disease mechanisms at a molecular level, and aiding in the development of targeted therapies. Essential technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, and high-throughput screening, play a vital role in pinpointing and validating potential drug targets aligned with personalized medicine principles. With ongoing advancements in the field, the integration of innovative technologies into drug discovery processes is expected to play a pivotal role in delivering more precise and effective therapeutic solutions tailored to individual patients.

 

Market Opportunity- The growing demand for innovative therapies is fueling the Drug Discovery Technologies Market.

The surge in demand for cutting-edge therapies is a key factor propelling the expansion of the Drug Discovery Technologies Market. As the prevalence of intricate diseases rises and the necessity for more precise and efficient treatments grows, there is a heightened emphasis on leveraging advanced technologies in the field of drug discovery. High-throughput screening methods, employing automation and robotics, are expediting the identification of potential drug candidates. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in data analysis is streamlining the drug development process. Collaborations and partnerships between pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are fostering the exchange of knowledge and resources, contributing to the swift evolution of drug discovery technologies. Further, strides in personalized medicine, facilitated by genomics and biomarker discovery, are reshaping the treatment landscape by tailoring therapeutic approaches to individual patients. The future of the market holds promise for continued innovation, with emerging trends such as quantum computing, CRISPR technology, and organ-on-a-chip platforms presenting enticing avenues for transforming drug discovery. Regulatory backing for these advancements underscores the industry's dedication to delivering novel and impactful therapies to address the increasing global healthcare demands.

 

Market Share Analysis- High throughput screening Drug Discovery Technologies Market will register the fastest growth

The Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market is analyzed across High throughput screening, Genomics, Biochips, Pharmacogenomics, Bioanalytical instruments, Bioinformatics, Nanotechnology, and others. High throughput screening is poised to register the fastest growth. High Throughput Screening (HTS) is a vital component of the Drug Discovery Technologies Market, utilizing automated systems and robotics to rapidly screen large compound libraries for biological activity. This accelerates the identification of potential drug candidates, reducing costs and enhancing efficiency in the drug discovery process. HTS's miniaturization techniques enable the simultaneous testing of thousands to millions of compounds against specific drug targets or biological processes, contributing to the overall success of drug discovery initiatives. Advances in assay technologies, automation, and data analysis continue to refine HTS methodologies, reinforcing its pivotal role in the pursuit of innovative therapeutics.

 

Market Share Analysis- Pharmaceutical companies held a significant market share in 2024

The Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market is analyzed across various end users including pharmaceutical companies, Biopharmaceutical companies, Biotech companies, Research institutes, and others. Of these, pharmaceutical companies held a significant market share in 2024. Pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in driving the Drug Discovery Technologies Market by employing advanced methodologies, including high-throughput screening, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, to efficiently identify and develop new therapeutic compounds. Collaborations and partnerships with research institutions accelerate knowledge exchange, contributing to the rapid evolution of drug discovery technologies. Pharmaceutical firms are actively embracing genomics and biomarker discovery for personalized medicine initiatives, tailoring therapies to specific patient profiles. Additionally, these companies are at the forefront of exploring emerging trends such as quantum computing, CRISPR technology, and organ-on-a-chip platforms, reflecting a commitment to continuous innovation in addressing global healthcare needs.

 

Drug Discovery Technologies Market Segmentation

By Technology Type      

• High throughput screening
• Genomics
• Biochips
• Pharmacogenomics
• Bioanalytical instruments
• Bioinformatics
• Nanotechnology
• Others

 

By End User      

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Biopharmaceutical companies
• Biotech companies
• Research institutes

 

By Region

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Others)
• Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Others)
• Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Others)
• Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Other Middle East, South Africa, Nigeria, Other Africa)

 

Drug Discovery Technologies Market Companies

• Charles River Laboratories International
• Celera Corp
• Caliper Life Sciences
• Arqule
• Bio-Rad Laboratories Abbott Laboratories
• Gyros AbIncyte Corp
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc
• Albany Molecular Research
• Evotec Ag

 

*List not exhaustive

Drug Discovery Technologies Market Outlook 2024

1 Market Overview

1.1 Introduction to the Drug Discovery Technologies Market

1.2 Scope of the Study  

1.3 Research Objective

1.3.1 Key Market Scope and Segments

1.3.2 Players Covered

1.3.3 Years Considered

 

2 Executive Summary

2.1 2024 Drug Discovery Technologies Industry- Market Statistics

3 Market Dynamics

3.1 Market Drivers

3.2 Market Challenges

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.4 Market Trends

 

4 Market Factor Analysis

4.1 Porter’s Five Forces

4.2 Market Entropy

4.2.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Companies with Area Served

4.2.2 Products Offerings Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market

 

5 COVID-19 Impact Analysis and Outlook Scenarios

5.1.1 Covid-19 Impact Analysis

5.1.2 post-COVID-19 Scenario- Low Growth Case

5.1.3 Post-COVID-19 Scenario- Reference Growth Case

5.1.4 Post-COVID-19 Scenario- Low Growth Case

 

6 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Trends

6.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) and CAGR (%) by Type (2018-2030)

6.2 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) and CAGR (%) by Applications (2018-2030)

6.3 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) and CAGR (%) by Regions (2018-2030)

 

7 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Revenue (USD Million) by Type, and Applications (2018-2022)

7.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Type (2018-2022)

7.1.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), Market Share (%) by Type (2018-2022)

7.2 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Applications (2018-2022)

7.2.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), Market Share (%) by Applications (2018-2022)

 

8 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Development Regional Status and Outlook

8.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Regions (2018-2022)

8.2 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Type, and Application (2018-2022)

8.2.1 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Country (2018-2022)

8.2.2 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Type (2018-2022)

8.2.3 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Applications (2018-2022)

8.3 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type, and Applications (USD Million) (2018-2022)

8.3.1 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Country (2018-2022)

8.3.2 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Type (2018-2022)

8.3.3 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Applications (2018-2022)

8.4 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), and Revenue (USD Million) by Type, and Applications (2018-2022)

8.4.1 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Country (2018-2022)

8.4.2 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Type (2018-2022)

8.4.3 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Applications (2018-2022)

8.5 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type, and Applications (2018-2022)

8.5.1 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Country (2018-2022)

8.5.2 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Type (2018-2022)

8.5.3 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Applications (2018-2022)

8.6 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type, Technology, Application, Thickness (2018-2022)

8.6.1 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Country (2018-2022)

8.6.2 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Type (2018-2022)

8.6.3 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Applications (2018-2022)

 

9 Company Profiles

 

10 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Revenue (USD Million), by Type, and Applications (2024-2030)

10.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) and Market Share (%) by Type (2024-2030)

10.1.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), and Market Share (%) by Type (2024-2030)

10.2 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) and Market Share (%) by Applications (2024-2030)

10.2.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), and Market Share (%) by Applications (2024-2030)

 

11 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Development Regional Status and Outlook Forecast

11.1 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Regions (2024-2030)

11.2 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Type, and Applications (2024-2030)

11.2.1 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD) Million by Country (2024-2030)

11.2.2 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type (2024-2030)

11.2.3 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), Market Share (%) by Applications (2024-2030)

11.3 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type, and Applications (2024-2030)

11.3.1 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Country (2024-2030)

11.3.2 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type (2024-2030)

11.3.3 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Applications (2024-2030)

11.4 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) by Type, and Applications (2024-2030)

11.4.1 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Country (2024-2030)

11.4.2 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type (2024-2030)

11.4.3 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Applications (2024-2030)

11.5 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type, and Applications (2024-2030)

11.5.1 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Country (2024-2030)

11.5.2 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type (2024-2030)

11.5.3 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Applications (2024-2030)

11.6 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type, and Applications (2024-2030)

11.6.1 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Region (2024-2030)

11.6.2 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Type (2024-2030)

11.6.3 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million), by Applications (2024-2030)

 

12 Methodology and Data Sources

12.1 Methodology/Research Approach

12.1.1 Research Programs/Design

12.1.2 Market Size Estimation

12.1.3 Market Breakdown and Data Triangulation

12.2 Data Sources

12.2.1 Secondary Sources

12.2.2 Primary Sources

12.3 Disclaimer

 

List of Tables

Table 1 Market Segmentation Analysis

Table 2 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Companies with Areas Served

Table 3 Products Offerings Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market

Table 4 Low Growth Scenario Forecasts

Table 5 Reference Case Growth Scenario

Table 6 High Growth Case Scenario

Table 7 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) And CAGR (%) By Type (2018-2030)

Table 8 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) And CAGR (%) By Applications (2018-2030)

Table 9 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) And CAGR (%) By Regions (2018-2030)

Table 10 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Table 11 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue Market Share (%) By Type (2018-2022)

Table 12 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Table 13 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue Market Share (%) By Applications (2018-2022)

Table 14 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Revenue (USD Million) By Regions (2018-2022)

Table 15 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Share (%) By Regions (2018-2022)

Table 16 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2018-2022)

Table 17 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Table 18 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Table 19 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2018-2022)

Table 20 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Table 21 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Table 22 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2018-2022)

Table 23 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Table 24 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Table 25 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2018-2022)

Table 26 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Table 27 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Table 28 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Region (2018-2022)

Table 29 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Table 30 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Table 31 Financial Analysis

Table 32 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Table 33 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue Market Share (%) By Type (2024-2030)

Table 34 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Table 35 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue Market Share (%) By Applications (2024-2030)

Table 36 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Revenue (USD Million), And Revenue (USD Million) By Regions (2024-2030)

Table 37 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD)By Country (2024-2030)

Table 38 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Table 39 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Table 40 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2024-2030)

Table 41 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Table 42 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Table 43 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2024-2030)

Table 44 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Table 45 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Table 46 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2024-2030)

Table 47 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Table 48 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Table 49 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Region (2024-2030)

Table 50 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Region (2024-2030)

Table 51 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Table 52 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Table 53 Research Programs/Design for This Report

Table 54 Key Data Information from Secondary Sources

Table 55 Key Data Information from Primary Sources

 

List of Figures

Figure 1 Market Scope

Figure 2 Porter’s Five Forces

Figure 3 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Figure 4 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue Market Share (%) By Type (2022)

Figure 5 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Figure 6 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue Market Share (%) By Applications (2022)

Figure 7 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Revenue (USD Million) By Regions (2018-2022)

Figure 8 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Share (%) By Regions (2022)

Figure 9 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2018-2022)

Figure 10 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Figure 11 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Figure 12 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2018-2022)

Figure 13 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Figure 14 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Figure 15 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2018-2022)

Figure 16 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Figure 17 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Figure 18 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2018-2022)

Figure 19 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Figure 20 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Figure 21 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Region (2018-2022)

Figure 22 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2018-2022)

Figure 23 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2018-2022)

Figure 24 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Figure 25 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue Market Share (%) By Type (2030)

Figure 26 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Figure 27 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue Market Share (%) By Applications (2030)

Figure 28 Global Drug Discovery Technologies Market Revenue (USD Million) By Regions (2024-2030)

Figure 29 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2024-2030)

Figure 30 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Figure 31 North America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Figure 32 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2024-2030)

Figure 33 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Figure 34 Europe Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Figure 35 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2024-2030)

Figure 36 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Figure 37 Asia Pacific Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Figure 38 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Country (2024-2030)

Figure 39 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Figure 40 South America Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Figure 41 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Region (2024-2030)

Figure 42 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Region (2024-2030)

Figure 43 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Type (2024-2030)

Figure 44 Middle East and Africa Drug Discovery Technologies Revenue (USD Million) By Applications (2024-2030)

Figure 45 Bottom-Up and Top-Down Approaches For This Report

Figure 46 Data Triangulation

 

Drug Discovery Technologies Market Segmentation

By Technology Type      

• High throughput screening
• Genomics
• Biochips
• Pharmacogenomics
• Bioanalytical instruments
• Bioinformatics
• Nanotechnology
• Others

 

By End User      

• Pharmaceutical companies
• Biopharmaceutical companies
• Biotech companies
• Research institutes

 

By Region

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Others)
• Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Others)
• Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Others)
• Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Other Middle East, South Africa, Nigeria, Other Africa)