ScientiFRIKA 2026 spotlights Africa’s laboratory and Food Safety future

scientiFRIKA 2026, Africa’s leading exhibition and conference for scientific instruments, laboratory technology, and industrial science solutions, successfully brought together researchers, laboratory professionals, policymakers, manufacturers, and industry leaders in Lagos to explore emerging innovations, strengthen collaborations, and address key challenges shaping the future of science, laboratory excellence, and food safety across Africa.

Speaking at the event, Mrs. Scholastica Oremeyi Bello, Director, Department of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS), National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), emphasized the importance of collaboration in strengthening food safety systems across Africa.

“Food safety is a collective responsibility. Stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors are essential to improving standards, protecting consumers, and building a safer food future for all,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Eva Edwards, Director of Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, NAFDAC, emphasized the importance of food safety education and stakeholder awareness in protecting public health and ensuring safer food systems.

“Food safety is everyone’s business. Strengthening awareness, education, and collaboration across the public and private sectors is essential to safeguarding consumers and improving food standards in Nigeria,” she said.

Another speaking at the event, Dr. Peter Adefisoye, Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of Science Laboratory Technology, emphasized that human capacity development remains critical to achieving accurate and reliable laboratory results.

“Investment in people is just as important as investment in equipment. Without skilled professionals, even the most modern laboratories cannot deliver reliable results,” he said.

Dr. Adefisoye also commended the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology for fostering collaboration among stakeholders and stressed the need for stronger inter-agency cooperation to tackle counterfeit and expired products, protect public health, and strengthen laboratory regulations.

Among the many exhibitors at scientiFRIKA 2026 were CountMe Chemicals, represented by its Head of Marketing, Mr. Wale, showcasing their AI-powered B2B chemical marketplace connecting suppliers and buyers across Africa.

“Our platform simplifies chemical sourcing by connecting buyers directly with trusted suppliers across the continent,” he said.

LSScientific also showcased its quality control solutions, highlighting innovations aimed at improving laboratory standards and efficiency.

“Quality control remains at the heart of reliable laboratory results, and our solutions are built to support that,” a representative stated.

Also exhibiting was Biomall.AI, Indiia led by its CEO and Founder, Dr. S. Jhaveri, who presented the company’s global AI-powered marketplace for scientific products.

Read also: ScientiFRIKA 2026 to boost innovation across Africa’s science, laboratory industry

“Biomall.AI is making scientific sourcing easier by connecting laboratories with suppliers worldwide,” he said.

The inaugural edition of scientiFRIKA, organised by Vethan Concept Limited, brought together equipment manufacturers, distributors, scientists, researchers, laboratory professionals, innovators, policy makers, investors and global industry leaders to exchange ideas and promote scientific advancement across Africa.

Speaking on the vision behind scientiFRIKA, Mrs Patricia Osazuwa, event director of scientiFRIKA said the continent possesses the talent and creativity needed to compete globally but requires stronger support systems.

“Africa has the talent, intelligence, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit needed to compete and lead globally. What we need is a stronger ecosystem, greater investment and better platforms that connect ideas with opportunities,” she said.

With the theme “Science without Borders, Africa without Limits”, the Exhibition and Conference aimed to create opportunities for African scientists and innovators while strengthening partnerships between government, academia and private industry to drive sustainable scientific and technological progress.