Across Africa, several types and levels of training are available in genetics, biochemistry and molecular biology. The emphasis of this 'perspective' article is on opportunities for training in computational aspects of genome science. It offers a pan-African survey of  initiatives, and suggestions on how to perform hypothesis-based bioinformatics research.

Current efforts to increase the ability of African scientists to process and analyse genomic and post-genomic data have the potential to accelerate the continent's scientific and technological development. But the authors' central concern is that unless the entire global community obtains access to genome science, rapid growth in the area will have little impact on scientific and technological development, particularly in developing countries.

The authors review opportunities for degree training in bioinformatics, along with short-term training workshops and online training. They also provide a list of networks, mailing lists and information about access to relevant online journals.

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