IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa will be co-located at the Gallagher Convention Centre this year to optimise the synergies across the laboratories, science and innovation sectors and the water, sewage and waste treatment sectors.

Organised by Messe Muenchen India and Messe München GmbH, Analytica Lab Africa is the only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics in South Africa, and IFAT Africa is the leading trade fair for water, sewage, refuse and recycling in Southern Africa. The co-location is expected to optimise synergies and bring together hundreds of leading brands, alongside talks, training sessions, and industry workshops.

Avisha Desai, Business Unit Head (Consumer & Capital Goods) & International Business at Messe Muenchen India says the co-location of analytica Lab Africa and IFAT Africa brings to Africa the full spectrum of laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics solutions, water, sewage, refuse, recycling, water and waste management innovations.

Industry Voices on Co-location Benefits

Desai says: “By co-locating these events, we will create a unique ecosystem integrating sectors that overlap in practice, like environmental technologies and laboratory diagnostics, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, mining, food and beverage, environmental management, chemicals, petrochemicals, energy, and biotechnology. For instance, water security, water treatment and wastewater management are dependent on the ability to analyse water and environmental conditions. By bringing stakeholders together, the trade shows and their peripheral events will ignite knowledge transfer across these broad and overlapping fields. For exhibitors, this means reaching a wider market and potentially also untapped new markets. For visitors, it offers access to an extended showcase of solutions.”

The previous iterations of these co-located trade shows were a resounding success, attracting thousands of visitors and hundreds of exhibitors, solidifying their significance in the industry.

James Morisse, spokesman at NuWater, exhibiting at IFAT Africa, says the co-location is beneficial for his organisation, which spans both sectors: “Thorough and precise water analysis is fundamental to our NuWater Engineered designed water plant solutions provided to the industry; thus we advocate for any progress in collaborative efforts between analytical services and engineered solutions.”

Lomo Senoamadi, CEO of BICS, an exhibitor of analytica Lab Africa agrees: “At BICS, we recognise the immense value of co-locating these two premier events. The synergy between the laboratory and environmental technology sectors aligns perfectly with our commitment to serving diverse industries. The co-location creates a unique platform for fostering innovation, collaboration, and meaningful connections across sectors. This approach mirrors how BICS bridges industries with adaptable and cutting-edge solutions.” 

Zuma Nonkululeko, Technical Specialist NTE, says: “Connecting environmental management and laboratory analysis is an exciting opportunity that keys into NTE’s focus on sustainability and innovation. NTE is a strong believer in cross-pollinating ideas and expertise, and all attendees will benefit from a one-stop shop for exploring solutions across the entire value chain.”

Sarah Cohen, Executive Officer at SALDA (Southern Africa Laboratory Diagnostics Association), says close collaboration across industries is unlocking new opportunities in Southern Africa. “SALDA members continue to work closely with key stakeholders such as other industry associations, pathology groups – both public and private, National Department of Health (NDOH), Department of Trade, Industry and Competition ( DTIC) and regulatory bodies,” she says.