The African Cancer Immunology and Infection Initiative
An Africa-led research platform integrating AI, immunology, infection, and the microbiome to reframe cancer research.
Africa is where the next chapter of cancer research will be written.
TACII is an Africa-led research platform integrating AI, infection, immunology, and the microbiome to improve our understanding of cancer in Africa and beyond.
Africa is home to one-quarter of the world's cancer burden, affected by infection, immunological history, and microbial diversity, unlike anywhere else in the world. TACII is the platform built to understand it.
First Meeting
Inaugural TACII Scientific Meeting
June 2026, Casablanca — Principal investigators and capacity program representatives from all 13 partner institutions gathered to establish shared protocols and outline collaborative cohorts.
Read MoreScientific Pillars
Infection and immunity
Up to 30% of cancers in Africa are driven by infectious pathogens. We are mapping this biology - from oncogenic viruses to immune exhaustion.
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The microbiome
African microbiomes are among the most diverse on earth - and among the least studied. We are changing that, one cohort at a time.
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Tumour immune microenvironment (TIME)
How tumours evade immunity differs across populations. Profiling the tumour immune microenvironment in African patients is central to TACII's mission.
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Artificial intelligence
AI is transforming how cancer is detected, diagnosed, and understood. In Africa, data is uneven, computing is under-resourced and is rarely led by Africa itself.
Read moreOverview Why TACII exists
Cancer incidence is increasing rapidly across Africa. However, modern oncology relies primarily on data from European and North American populations, resulting in a limited understanding and poor treatment of African cancer biology.
In Africa, infections, immune history, and microbial diversity are central drivers of cancer development and patient treatment response. This context demands its own research.
TACII unites researchers from all five African regions to advance African cancer research using shared cohorts, integrated data systems, and a deep commitment to Africa-led science.
Join TACII Now
Be part of an Africa-led initiative integrating AI, immunology, infection, and the microbiome to reframe cancer research in Africa. Support our mission by getting involved.
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