Messe Muenchen concluded analytica Lab Africa 2023 in Midrand this month, when thousands of laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics stakeholders converged at the Gallagher Convention Centre for a long-anticipated update on innovations, trends, challenges and solutions.

Organised by Messe Muenchen India and Messe München GmbH, analytica Lab Africa was co-located with IFAT Africa, the leading trade fair for water, sewage, refuse and recycling at Gallagher Convention Centre from 5 to 7 July. The combined events brought together over 6,000 visitors and a considerable number of leading exhibitors for three days of networking, knowledge sharing and solution discovery.

Welcoming visitors from across Sub-Saharan Africa, Bhupinder Singh, CEO of event organiser Messe Muenchen India, highlighted the event’s strong focus on sustainable development, a circular economy, waste management and a rapid transition towards localised R&D.  

He noted: “Africa is drawing interest from across the world. This year, we have truly global participation with exhibitors from as far afield as Germany, Austria, China, Italy, Norway and the UK and visitors not only from South Africa but also from the SADC-region. analytica Lab Africa presented state of the art technology and solutions to laboratory representatives from across Africa, while the IFAT Africa conference offers perspectives on urgent matters like the circular economy and resource efficiency.”  

With extensive exhibition areas, high-level discussion forums, workshops and demos, the events focused on new technologies, challenges, solutions and opportunities in the sectors.

Armin Wittmann, Messe München´s Global Industry Lead analytica said: “The industry’s response to the return of analytica Lab Africa after three years was phenomenal.”

“We showcased solutions from the biggest brands, all under one roof for three days.  Stakeholders also benefited from the co-location with IFAT Africa, which gave participants opportunities to meet and network with people across a broad value chain including water & waste, recycling and environmental technologies.”

Sarah Cohen, Executive Officer of the Southern African Laboratory Diagnostics Association (SALDA), said: “This event was really great for us. Seeing our members’ face-to-face, as well as new people in the industry that we don’t know has been of value, and we hope to be back in two years’ time.”

In the analytica Lab Africa Forum, international and local experts deep dived into key issues such as harmonising lab water purity for optimised results, avoiding the risks associated with hazardous materials, reducing lab waste, safe storage of Lithium-Ion batteries, and the importance of protecting data. 

Visitors also discovered revolutionary approaches to diagnostic testing in Africa; new tools for analysis; novel digital solutions for the lab; a novel method for Salmonella serotyping; the effects of centrifugal forces on samples; a safe and economical alternative to ultra filtration systems; in-house prepared water as an alternative to HPLC-Grade water; how to achieve faster food analysis results; and how to unlock the mysteries of reference standards.

analytica Lab Africa also hosted Quality First workshops each day, covering important issues such as the risks involved in using sub-optimal equipment, the value of quality equipment, ensuring traceability of laboratory measurement results, and assessing whether staff are trained, competent or both.

analytica Lab Africa’s exhibition area showcased equipment, techniques and services for analysis, quality control, laboratory technology, life sciences, biotechnology and diagnostics, with workshops and demo areas where stakeholders could discover new innovations and benef from knowledge sharing and insights.

Among the major enterprises that participated in analytica Lab Africa this year was Silver Sponsor Lasec, showcasing its cutting-edge biotechnology and general scientific products from leading international brands including asecos, Radwag Balances and Scales, Copan, Lauda, Cole-Parmer, Norgen Biotek, Don Whitley Scientific, Greiner Bio-One, Labcon, VACUUBRAND, Haier Biomedical, Giorgio Bormac, Memmert, BestScope, and Gilson.

Exhibitors also included Merck, Anatech Instruments, Shimadzu, Perkin Elmer, Metrohm,  Cell Path Services Pty Ltd, GUTH SA, Microsep, Sartorius, Bruker, Leco, Busch Vacuum Solutions, Qualikems Lifesciences, Labchem (Pty) Ltd, LLG, SMM, AES, CHEMETRIX EXPORT (PTY) LIMITED, Apex Scientific, BICS, Labrecycling, Dedicated Analytical Solutions, Wirsam Scientific & Precision Equipment (Pty) Ltd, SPECTRO - AMETEK, BIOMED HEALTHCARE, AQA Scientific, Innov-X Africa, Spectrometer Technologies, APTECH, Labotec, Berthold Technologies GmbH & Co. KG, 3F Scientic (Pty) Ltd, and Arihant Industries. With over 230 brands on show, the event offers a unique opportunity for buyers to compare and benchmark solutions and meet new vendors and suppliers.

The German pavilion at analytica Lab Africa drew crowds, with Jennifer Goldenstede, head of foreign trade and export promotion, with the Spectaris association saying: “The show has been very busy, and delivered high quality visitors and exhibitors. A lot of people were asking about products water and environmental applications.”

Among the exhibitors were Tinashe Tsomondo, Head of Field Marketing at Merck Africa and MEA. He said: “Merck Life Sciences impacts life and health through science, with a range of solutions to support advancement in research, as well as to make products, food and water safer. This year’s analytica Lab Africa has given us greater insights into the current needs of our market in Africa. We’ve observed that science is not just ticking in Africa, we are moving forward and there are many breakthroughs taking place to solve some of the toughest challenges we face. What we’re doing is supporting those breakthroughs using our technologies and innovations. The experience at analytica Lab Africa 2023 has been truly inspiring, with many value engagements. We have had many queries and driven a lot of curiosity with our vibrant stand.”  

Microsep partner Andreas Baumann, market manager for Africa said: “People are happy to be back and visiting the show – we have had a lot of high level visitors and requests. The trends we have noted are around water security, water quality, and consumer protection for the food and pharmaceutical industries.”

Wittmann said: “analytica Lab Africa’s successful return paves the way for ongoing growth in future. In 2025, we plan to be back with an even bigger and better event.”