African Ancestry Review Summary
Summary
African Ancestry traces a customer’s genealogy to present day country of origin within Africa and ethnic group but is more expensive than other genetic tests.
7 Facts from our African Ancestry Review
- Location: Washington D.C.
- Products: Testing for the present day African country of origin/ethnic tribe
- Reports: Present-day African country of origin/ethnic tribe for maternal or paternal lineage
- Result delivery: Ancestry reports accessed through your account in 8-12 weeks
- Data availability: Raw data download is not available
- Cost: $299-$729
- Alternatives: Nebula Genomics (Whole Genome Sequencing with regularly updated reports and advanced ancestry reporting)
This review is written with the intent to be as unbiased as possible. However, it represents the opinion of an individual reviewer and is therefore subjective. Furthermore, at Nebula Genomics we seek to educate the public about the benefits of Whole Genome Sequencing. Information about our Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test is therefore incorporated into the review.
July 11, 2022
Table of contents
Edited by Christina Swords, Ph.D.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Provides deep ancestry information for both maternal and paternal lineages when finding your roots
- Offers information about the present-day country and the ethnic tribe of origin in Africa
- A large online community is available where users can receive support
- Samples are destroyed after genetic testing
Cons
- Expensive compared to 23andMe and AncestryDNA
- Limited reporting on ancestral lineages outside of Africa
- Only looks at mtDNA and Y chromosome DNA
African Ancestry Introduction
African Ancestry is a genetic testing company founded in 2003 by Dr. Rick Kittles and Gina Paige. Its offices are located in Washington, D.C. The company maintains a database of over 33,000 indigenous African DNA samples. The company uses these samples as a reference dataset to perform DNA matching and determine the present day country of origin and the ethnic African tribe heritage of the customer.
For example, customers will receive a specific country and tribe instead of a series of West African regions, as with other tests.
Over the years, this company has provided ancestry information to over 750,000 people of African descent.
It aims to give people of color, especially African and African American people, a better understanding of their family history as many histories become lost due to injustices, like the Atlantic slave trade.
The company provides opportunities to its customers to visit their countries of origin through the African American Family Reunion (AAFR) initiative. These trips from the United States include airfare from Washington D.C. to the location of choice. Lodging, meals, ground transportation, and scheduled activities are also included. Read more in our African Ancestry review!
Review of African Ancestry DNA Tests
African Ancestry markets two main products, one for each side of the family: the maternal DNA test and the paternal DNA test, both priced at $299. An African Ancestry test determines the present day country of origin within Africa and tribe (ethnic group). The test can trace back 500-2000 years.
Instructions for cheek swab sample submission are provided inside the DNA test kit, then mailed back to the labs. The company maintains an African Lineages Database consisting of samples from over 40 countries and 400 ethnic groups.
DNA results are sent back 8-12 weeks after the sample reception.
This company does not analyze autosomal DNA. The only genetic material used for analysis is mtDNA and Y chromosomal DNA.
Individuals also have the option to upload raw DNA data from other DNA testing providers. The genetic data must be a mitochondrial DNA sequence or a Y chromosome DNA sequence. This service costs $210 per lineage.
Test results include a letter that lists percentages of DNA from each area of Africa. The results also cover useful information on countries of origin and ethnic tribes.
The company also returns a list of tested genetic variants. However, this does not include the complete mtDNA or Y chromosome sequence. Instead, it decodes only small regions containing genetic variants specific to certain African countries of origin/ethnic tribes.
Customers also receive a certificate of ancestry, a migration map, and a general explanation of results. There is also a digital copy of the guide to African history and cultures.
Review of African Ancestry MatriClan Test Kit ($299)
The MatriClan test kit can be taken by both men and women. The test analyzes mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), which is inherited exclusively through the mother’s side. mtDNA remains the same through the maternal lineage (grandmother, great-grandmother, etc.). Therefore, these results can be shared with family members without the need of taking additional tests.
According to its website, the MatriClan test identifies African heritage for 92% of customers. The results also include HVS1, HVS2, or HVS3 designations and mitochondrial haplogroups. HVS are hypervariable segments in mtDNA that are used to determine haplogroup.
Mitochondrial haplogroups are defined by differences in mtDNA that represent branch points in the mitochondrial phylogenetic tree and matrilineal inheritance. Certain HVR designations correspond to haplogroups specific to countries of Africa and ethnic tribes.
If the results are Non-African, the company can only determine a broad area of origin. In these cases, European, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Indigenous American origin can be determined.
Review of African Ancestry PatriClan Test Kit ($299)
The PatriClan test kit can only be used by men. The DNA test analyzes the Y chromosome, which men inherit from their fathers. Certain Y chromosome markers are specific to African countries and ethnic tribes, which allows for ancestral determination.
Like the MatriClan test kit, results from the PatriClan test are the same for any member within the paternal lineage. Women can also determine their paternal lineage by having a male relative from their father’s side take the PatriClan test.
According to its website, the PatriClan test identifies African heritage for 65% of customers. Like the MatriClan test kit, non-African ancestries are also included in the reporting. Y chromosome haplogroups are not provided.
Other African Ancestry Products
Other products include bundled genetic testing packages. One of these is the Family Celebration Package (which contains both the MatriClan and PatriClan tests for $729). You can also purchase other gifts and apparel such as T-shirts and journals.
Review of African Ancestry Privacy Policy
The company will collect information that users place on the website if an order is placed. Nowhere in the Privacy Policy does it mention what happens to this identifiable data once the results are up. However, it offes a contact email if there is a question regarding this or any other issue.
However, the Terms of Service stipulate that, in the lab, personnel data is only identifiable by a barcode. The company does not biobank genetic material from consumers. The database used to analyze individuals’ results is not built using customer samples but in collaboration with research projects.
Inconclusive results may occur where the country of origin/ethnic tribe cannot be determined. Inconclusive results will be kept for up to a year for additional testing. However, this is optional, and the samples can be destroyed upon request.
The company will keep information from the individual’s order form, such as contact and financial information.
It will not share customer information unless required by law for a judicial proceeding. The terms and conditions can be found on its website.
Customers can contact customer service via email, via form, and to a mailing address.
African Ancestry in the News
The company has been featured by several news outlets. In 2019, the company launched a new initiative called African Ancestry Family Reunion. This initiative has the goal of culturally immersing black people in their countries of origin. The service is marketed as inclusive, curated homeland journeys aiming to promote global diasporic connections.
African Ancestry also runs a radio station and maintains a Get Rooted Book List.
African Ancestry Reviews
The company has been widely publicized by several celebrities (Oprah Winfrey, Morgan Freeman, Spike Lee, Maya Angelou, etc.). In addition, some African Ancestry DNA test reviews from customers can be found on African Ancestry com reviews.
- The company has mostly positive reviews on Trustpilot.com: 3.7/5 stars
- African Ancestry DNA reviews on top100dnatests.com: 8.9/10 stars
Most customers who gave low reviews cited long (> 5 months) processing time and incomplete information.
Nebula Genomics
African Ancestry only provides testing kits for maternal and paternal lineages (mtDNA and Y chromosome DNA), and only looks at ancestry. It also only provides detail on a single lineage (maternal or paternal) that you choose to submit. It does not analyze the entire genome and thus do not provide breakdowns of different ancestries, such as European ancestry and Native American ancestry. Detailed information is provided only if an individual has an ancestral lineage in Africa.
Nebula Genomics offers a single genetic test – whole genome sequencing. This gives the consumer 100% of their genetic information, including mtDNA and Y chromosome data.
Nebula Genomics also provides genetic ancestry tracing based on mtDNA and Y chromosome sequencing. Through our collaborations, we have access to some of the world’s largest Y chromosome DNA and mtDNA database. This lets us trace your maternal and paternal lineages. Like African Ancestry, Nebula Genomics allows the upload of DNA data.
| 23andMe | AncestryDNA | African Ancestry | Nebula Genomics | |
| DNA Testing Method | Microarray-based genotyping | Microarray-based genotyping | Unknown | Whole Genome Sequencing (30x coverage) |
| Information Available | Ancestry, traits, health | Ancestry, traits, health | African ancestry (country of origin and ethnic tribe) on either the maternal or paternal side | Regular reports based on the latest research, data exploration tools, deep ancestry |
| Regular updates based on the latest research | No | No | No | Yes (learn more) |
| Able to upload raw DNA data | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Tools to explore data | Limited | Limited | Limited information on the historical records of the African diaspora. Information about tribes is not provided | Yes (learn more) |
| Data Access | Yes (23andMe format file) | Yes (AncestryDNA format file) | Results letter containing country of origin and ethnic tribe is provided. Printed DNA sequence showing genetic markers | Yes (FASTQ, BAM, VCF) |
| Cost | $99-$199 | $99-$119 | $299 for one lineage kit | $0, $99, $299 |
Other companies
If you want to learn more about your ancestry and genealogy you should look into other DNA testing sites:
- 23andMe (basic ancestry test)
- 24Genetics (ancestry test)
- AncestryDNA (basic ancestry test)
- CRI Genetics (basic ancestry test)
- DNA Ancestry Project (Y DNA and mtDNA for genetic genealogy)
- DNA Consultants (specific ethnicities)
- DNA Land (free DNA upload for trait and ancestry analysis)
- DNA Painter (first profile is free and subscriptions are available for others)
- Findmypast (genealogy for those with British and Irish ancestry)
- GedMatch Genesis (free DNA upload for genetic genealogy and paid advanced options)
- HomeDNA Ancestry (migration history based on gene pools)
- iGenea (percentages origins, relatives, ancient tribes, and famous people)
- Living DNA (UK based ancestry test)
- MyHeritage (ancestry test, additional subscriptions for access to genealogy tools)
- WeGene (for Asian ancestry – coming soon)
Or, if you’re looking for an at home paternity test, you should also read our review of HomeDNA.
If you want to focus on your maternal and/or paternal lineages, you can look at YFull or YSeq, services which analyze mtDNA or the Y chromosome to determine specific lineage haplotypes. Full Genomes also offers Y chromosome sequencing and analysis.
Did you like our African Ancestry review? You can read more reviews on our blog and check out our complete guide to the best DNA test kit and other home tests.
Interested in learning about your pet’s ancestry? Embark, Wisdom Panel, DNA My Dog, and Paw Print Genetics are DNA tests for dogs while Basepaws is genetic testing for your cat.
