The Centre for Genomics of Non-Communicable Diseases and Personalized Healthcare (CGNPH) will promote application of genomics in prevention, treatment, and management of NCDs as well as understanding their causation through development of holistic training, capacity building, and evidence-based research. The high genetic diversity of African populations and African environments provides unparalleled opportunities and potential to investigate the genomic, epigenetic and pharmacogenomic profile of NCDs in African populations, including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes, and neurodegenerative diseases. The low competitiveness and visibility of African researchers in genomics, epigenetics and pharmacogenomics research is a critical challenge, as is development of a critical mass of researchers who have the foundational knowledge, skills, and responsible conduct, attributes required for research on the genomics, epigenetics, and pharmacogenomics of NCDs. Meeting this challenge is fundamental to scientific discovery and creation of novel and innovative approaches and products designed to deliver efficient and improved personalized healthcare in Africa in order to increase quality of life of Africans.