Medlab Middle East spotlights AI in African diagnostics as the 24th edition of the event concludes
 

(DUBAI) - Amid rapid transformation in Africa’s healthcare sector, the recently held Medlab Middle East concluded by hosting a dedicated 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 explore AI-driven solutions and the technological advancements shaping Africa’s diagnostics landscape.

With growing healthcare demands and underserved markets, Africa presents significant opportunities for businesses leveraging AI, automation and data-driven solutions. The ABCHealth session highlighted the innovative approaches, key market-entry strategies, and technology-driven collaborations that enable businesses to tap into Africa's dynamic and evolving healthcare ecosystem, fostering sustainable growth and improved health outcomes.

During the welcome address, Dr Mories Atoki, CEO, African Business Coalition for Health (ABCHealth), Nigeria said: “Whether you represent a government body, a private enterprise, or an academic institution, the contributions today matter. Together, we have the opportunity to overcome barriers and harness the power of artificial intelligence and other technologies to transform the diagnostics business models that will define the future of healthcare in the African continent. Today is about maximizing the opportunities to exchange ideas, network, connect, and inspire one another.”

The opening keynote session, delivered by Professor Hatem Mostafa ElGabaly, Former Minister of Health in Egypt, highlighted the importance of African countries and the opportunities to support and promote their businesses.

He said, “The current state of health diagnostics in Africa is prohibited by the limited access to advanced diagnostic tools. In some regions, there is only one radiologist per 500,000 people. In addition, there is a high disease burden with an inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Africa accounts for 24% of the global disease burden but only 3% of the global health workforce. This underscores the importance of investment, which has the potential to improve health outcomes and economic growth, as well as utilizing technology to leapfrog traditional healthcare models.”

In addition to the Africa-focused session, Medlab Middle East hosted two high-level breakfast forums, which brought together global and regional laboratory leaders to discuss the key issues shaping the future of diagnostics and healthcare.

The Global Lab Leaders Breakfast Forum gathered Medlab portfolio global advisers, scientific chairs, international partners, and stakeholders to tackle the global harmonization of laboratory practices. Discussions at the new forum also explored the critical role of labs in managing global health crises, fostering international collaboration, and shaping the future of laboratory medicine.

Themed ‘Strengthening cooperation amongst laboratories in the GCC’, the GCC Lab Leaders Forum at Medlab Middle East brought together officials, experts, and specialists from both public and private sector laboratories and national standardization bodies across the region. The forum focused on strengthening laboratory networks region-wide, with topics addressed including career pathways for medical laboratory professionals and the formation of a GCC medical lab alliance.

Medlab Middle East featured over 800 exhibitors from over 40 countries and welcoming an expected attendee count of 20,000 visitors. In addition to the ABCHealth Forum and Leaders’ Breakfast Forums, new features this year have included the Women’s Health Leadership Forum, Precision Medicine Leadership Forum, and the CME-accredited Lab Automation conference track.

The event has brought together exhibitors and visitors from more than 180 countries, providing an unrivaled platform to showcase the latest innovations and discover a wide variety of cutting-edge medical laboratory products and services.

The key product categories showcased at Medlab Middle East are Disposable, Healthcare/General Services, Imaging, Infrastructure, IT, Laboratory, Medical Equipment and Pharma/Nutrition. Industry leaders featured at the event include Al Borg Diagnostics, Fujifilm Middle East FZE, Horiba ABX SAS, Sysmex Middle East, Randox Laboratories, and Snibe.

After 24 years of success, Medlab Middle East is evolving into WHX Labs Dubai, uniting with the World Health Expo (WHX) to foster greater global collaboration, innovation, and impact in the laboratory industry. WHX Labs Dubai will be joined by city-based events in Lagos, Cape Town, Nairobi, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to strengthen relationships and accelerate knowledge sharing. The inaugural WHX Labs Dubai will take place from 9 to 12 February, 2026.
                      
                

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