A recent report by Smart DNA has unveiled a startling revelation: 27% of Africa men tested in countries like Nigeria and Zimbabwe are not the biological fathers of the children in question.
The comprehensive 2024 report, covering July 2023 to June 2024, highlights intriguing trends in DNA testing across Africa.
The African-based DNA testing centre reported a significant rise in paternity tests showing negative results, suggesting that over one in four tested men are not the biological parents of the children they believed to be theirs.
This revelation sheds light on the intricate and sometimes troubling dynamics within African families.
Notably, the report also highlights a surge in DNA tests for immigration purposes.
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This increase, the highest among test types, reflects a growing trend of Africans seeking opportunities abroad and a rise in dual citizenship processing for children.
Africa emerged as the epicenter of DNA testing, with a staggering 73.1% of tests conducted in the city—split between 67.5% on the Mainland and 32.5% on the Island.
This concentration underscores the economic disparities within the region.
Elizabeth Digia, Operations Manager at Smart DNA, remarked to media, “The high rate of negative paternity tests and the increase in immigration-related testing are significant. They reflect broader societal trends that warrant deeper analysis and discussion.”
Digia also pointed out that the majority of tested children were aged 0-5 (54%), indicating a preference for early paternity confirmation. Men aged 41 and older (45.6%) and those aged 31-40 (37%) were the most likely to request tests, possibly reflecting economic factors or heightened paternity concerns in older age.
Interestingly, the report noted a slight gender bias in testing, with more tests conducted on male children (52.8%) compared to female children (47.2%). This trend may suggest a cultural inclination towards confirming the paternity of male offspring.
Overall, the findings from Smart DNA’s report offer a unique glimpse into the evolving landscape of family dynamics and societal trends in Africa.
