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Hot topics at IFAT Africa and analytica Lab Africa 2025

July 2025 News

Burning issues such as climate-smart infrastructure, sustainability in waste and water management, the circular economy and Extended Producer Responsibility will come under discussion at the three-day conference and forum presented by analytica Lab Africa and IFAT Africa at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg from 8 to 10 July 2025.

analytica Lab Africa is South Africa’s only trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics, and IFAT Africa is the leading conference and trade fair for water, sewage, refuse and recycling in southern Africa. Together, they bring a broad and overlapping water, waste and analytics ecosystem. The trade fair, forum and conference are attended by thousands of stakeholders from around the world who come together to share knowledge and explore new and innovative solutions. This year, IFAT Africa will feature two conference stages as well as an open forum, with thought-provoking presentations and discussions throughout each day of the conference.

Avisha Desai, executive director at Messe Muenchen India says: “In addition to the vast exhibition areas showcasing the latest technologies for water and waste management, laboratories and analytics, we are also proud to present talks by global thought leaders on some of the most topical issues facing the water, waste, laboratory and analytics sectors today. With different talks throughout each day of the conference, these sessions are a must-attend for industry stakeholders and decision makers.”

Topical water presentations

The Blue Stage water-focused conference will include talks on ‘Advancing Resilience and Water Security Through Smart Water and Sanitation Innovations’ presented by the Water Research Commission; ‘WaterWise: Smart Tech and Strong Alliances’ presented by Strategic Water Partners Network; ‘Improving Municipal Performance: Accountability, Skills Development and Service Delivery in the Water Sector’ presented by the German Water Partnership; and ‘Building Resilience: Climate-Smart Water and Sanitation Infrastructure’ presented by Frost and Sullivan.

The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy will present a talk on ‘Innovative Approaches to Water Conservation and Future Challenges in Water Supply for Businesses; the German Water Partnership will host a session entitled ‘Utilities United: Building Capacity through German – South African Operator Partnerships’; and the German Academic Exchange Service and German Water Partnership will speak on ‘Futureproof Water Strategies − Innovative Approaches from Science and Industry’. The Corrosion Institute of Southern Africa will also present an engaging talk on ‘The Importance of Asset Maintenance − A Closer look at the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’.

Sustainable waste management in focus

At the Orange Stage waste management conference, speakers will focus on sustainability and the circular economy in Africa. The International Solid Waste Association will present on ‘Fabric of Change: Textile Waste Solutions for a Sustainable Africa’; the Industrial Development Corporation will discuss ‘Overcoming Challenges and Unlocking Solutions in Water Infrastructure Investment’; and the German Chamber of Commerce and German RETech Partnership will present a session on ‘The Role of Local Communities in Driving a Circular Economy in the Waste Management Sector’.

A session on ‘Advancing the Biogas Sphere in Southern Africa and Beyond’ will be hosted by the Southern African Biogas Industry Association; the German RETech Partnership and GreenForest Solutions will speak on ‘Making EPR Work in SADC and East Africa: From Policy to Practice’; the Association of Waste Managers of Nigeria will speak on ‘Unlocking Sustainable Waste Management Models in Nigeria Through the Circular Economy’; and the National Centre for Waste Management will present a talk on ‘Transforming the Waste Management Sector in the Kingdom of Arabia.

A talk on ‘Upstream Prevention, Downstream Innovation: A Circular Approach to Food Waste and Loss’ will be presented by the African Circular Economy Network − Circular South Africa; Circular Energy will speak on ‘Collaborative Action for EPR: Building Stronger Partnerships Across the Value Chain’; the International Solid Waste Association will host a presentation on ‘Making the Case for Transitioning from Open Dumpsites to Sanitary Landfills’; and the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa will present on ‘The Role of Engineering in Sustainable Waste Management.

Open Forum highlights

At the Open Forum, highlights will include ‘Sustainable Futures Challenge’ hosted by the International Solid Waste Association; presentations by African DAAD Alumni; presentations including ‘German Water Technologies: Driving Innovation with European Funding for Research and Innovation’ by the Bavarian State Ministry of the Environment and Consumer Protection; ‘Water Resource Management: Innovative Technologies for Water Treatment, Wastewater Purification and Sludge Disposal’ by the Committee for Industrial Policy, Innovation and Trade of St Petersburg; ‘Smart Water Quality: Analytical Innovation Meets Water Management’ by the German Water Partnership; and ‘Mine Water: a challenge, an opportunity or both’; and ‘Are Technical Solutions Sufficiently Robust to Turn a Reserve into a Financially Viable Resource’ by Talbot.

Quality assurance, regulatory environment in focus at Laboratory Forum

At the analytica Lab Africa Laboratory Forum, panel discussions, presentations and demonstrations will highlight priorities such as quality assurance, the regulatory environment and sustainable practices.

The forum will open with overviews of in-vitro diagnostics (IVD), diagnostics, laboratory and technology landscapes by Sarah Cohen of SALDA and Ryno Friedberh of SMLTSA. Patience Dabula of ASLM will also present on ‘Lab Strengthening Systems’; and Roman Peaske will give a presentation entitled ‘The Digital Transformation Playbook for Laboratories: How to Build, Scale and Succeed in the Labs of Tomorrow’.

In-depth panel discussions will focus on quality assurance practices, training and competency, audits and accreditation, and funding and industry roles. Panel discussions will also address topical issues such as pandemic preparedness, the continental regulatory process for certification or listing of priority IVD, partnerships and innovations for the laboratory industry and patient care experience.

Eleni Flack-Davison, legal advisor, research data protection officer research compliance manager and head of the Research Integrity Office at the University of the Witwatersrand will present an insightful talk on ethics. This will be followed by panel discussions focusing on considerations for materials waste management via incineration technologies and solvent recovery systems featuring Ed Krisiunas, president of WNWN International, Leanrad Obuareghe, project engineer at Boskel Nigeria and Carla Jacobs, biological safety and waste business development manager at Lasec.

The forum will also focus on laboratory excellence with presentations on ‘Cleanroom Construction: Strategic Asset or Hidden Liability’ by Sonja Strydom, managing director of Vitro Technology; and ‘3D Cell Culture’ by Loraika Pillay, product manager at The Scientific Group.

The Forum Stage in the Lasec Pavilion will feature a three-day forum where leading suppliers will deliver insightful presentations on the latest innovations, technologies and solutions in the laboratory and scientific industry. Here you will be able to gain first-hand knowledge, interact with experts and discover how these advancements can transform your operations.

Register now at https://67f2dcfb9faf3.site123.me/

To view the full programmes visit https://ifat-africa.com/en/ and https://analytica-africa.com/en/




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