Medlab Middle East Highlights AI’s Role in Africa’s Diagnostics Sector
Amid rapid advancements in Africa’s healthcare sector, Medlab Middle East hosted a pivotal session on ‘Doing Business in Africa – Transforming Diagnostic Business Models with AI and other Technologies to Access New Markets.’ Led by the African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth), the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and healthcare innovators to discuss AI-driven solutions and technological advancements reshaping Africa’s diagnostics landscape.
With increasing healthcare demands and underserved markets, Africa presents significant opportunities for businesses leveraging AI, automation, and data-driven solutions. The ABCHealth session showcased innovative approaches, key market-entry strategies, and technology-driven collaborations that enable businesses to tap into Africa’s evolving healthcare ecosystem, fostering sustainable growth and improved health outcomes.
Transforming Healthcare with AI and Technology
In her welcome address, Dr. Mories Atoki, CEO of ABCHealth, emphasized the need for collaboration across sectors. “Whether you represent a government body, a private enterprise, or an academic institution, today’s contributions matter. Together, we can overcome barriers and harness the power of artificial intelligence and other technologies to transform diagnostics business models that will define the future of healthcare in Africa,” she said. “This event is about maximizing opportunities to exchange ideas, network, connect, and inspire one another.”
The keynote session, delivered by Professor Hatem Mostafa ElGabaly, Former Minister of Health, Egypt, underscored the challenges and opportunities within Africa’s diagnostics sector. “Limited access to advanced diagnostic tools remains a major challenge, with some regions having only one radiologist per 500,000 people. Africa accounts for 24% of the global disease burden but has only 3% of the global health workforce. Strategic investment and technological advancements are key to improving healthcare outcomes and economic growth,” he stated.
Global and Regional Industry Engagement
Beyond the Africa-focused discussions, Medlab Middle East hosted two high-level breakfast forums this week, bringing together global and regional laboratory leaders to address key issues shaping the future of diagnostics and healthcare.
The Global Lab Leaders Breakfast Forum convened Medlab’s portfolio of global advisers, scientific chairs, international partners, and stakeholders to discuss the global harmonization of laboratory practices. Key topics included the role of laboratories in managing global health crises, fostering international collaboration, and shaping the future of laboratory medicine.
Meanwhile, the GCC Lab Leaders Forum, themed ‘Strengthening Cooperation Amongst Laboratories in the GCC,’ brought together officials and experts from public and private sector laboratories, as well as national standardization bodies. The forum focused on strengthening laboratory networks across the region, discussing career pathways for medical laboratory professionals and the formation of a GCC medical lab alliance.
Expanding Medlab Middle East’s Global Impact
Medlab Middle East featured over 800 exhibitors from more than 40 countries and welcomed an estimated 20,000 visitors. In addition to the ABCHealth session and Leaders’ Breakfast Forums, the event introduced new features, including the Women’s Health Leadership Forum, Precision Medicine Leadership Forum, and the CME-accredited Lab Automation conference track.
The exhibition showcased cutting-edge medical laboratory products and services, attracting participants from over 180 countries. Key product categories included Disposables, Healthcare/General Services, Imaging, Infrastructure, IT, Laboratory Equipment, Medical Equipment, and Pharma/Nutrition. Industry leaders in attendance included Al Borg Diagnostics, Fujifilm Middle East FZE, Horiba ABX SAS, Sysmex Middle East, Randox Laboratories, and Snibe.
The Future of Medlab Middle East: WHX Labs Dubai
After 24 years of success, Medlab Middle East is set to evolve into WHX Labs Dubai, aligning with the World Health Expo (WHX) to foster greater global collaboration, innovation, and impact in the laboratory industry. The new initiative will expand Medlab’s reach with city-based events in Lagos, Cape Town, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok, strengthening international relationships and accelerating knowledge sharing. The inaugural WHX Labs Dubai is scheduled to take place from February 9-12, 2026.
With its commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration, Medlab Middle East continues to be a premier platform for shaping the future of diagnostics and healthcare across Africa and beyond.
