WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos Rebrand: Reimagining the Future of Healthcare in West Africa
On May 12, 2025, Informa Markets, a global leader in event organization, announced the rebranding of its flagship West African healthcare exhibitions, Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa, as WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos, respectively. This transformative shift, part of Informa’s global transition to the World Health Exhibitions (WHX) brand, aims to create a unified, innovative platform to advance healthcare and laboratory sectors across West Africa. The inaugural WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos events are scheduled for June 2–4, 2025, at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, promising to set a new benchmark for industry engagement. Here’s a detailed look at the rebrand, its motivations, and its implications for West Africa’s healthcare landscape, drawing from insights provided by Informa Markets and industry stakeholders.
Motivation Behind the Rebrand
The rebranding to WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos reflects a strategic evolution to address the growing interconnectedness of healthcare and laboratory ecosystems. Tom Coleman, Group Exhibition Director at Informa Markets, explained in a Nairametrics interview that the move was driven by a desire to create a “more unified and comprehensive platform” that mirrors the synergy between clinical and laboratory sectors. Previously, Medic West Africa focused on medical equipment and solutions, while Medlab West Africa targeted laboratory diagnostics. The rebrand consolidates these under the WHX umbrella to foster greater collaboration, knowledge exchange, and business opportunities across the entire healthcare spectrum.
The decision also aligns with global trends in healthcare exhibitions, adopting an integrated approach to connect professionals internationally and bring cutting-edge technologies to West Africa. By leveraging the established legacies of Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa—trusted platforms for over 11 years—the rebrand ensures continuity while amplifying impact. Coleman emphasized that the new identity reflects a commitment to “providing an unparalleled platform where healthcare professionals and industry leaders can connect, innovate, and collectively shape the future of healthcare.”
What is WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos?
WHX Lagos is West Africa’s largest healthcare exhibition, formerly Medic West Africa, serving as a hub for medical professionals, manufacturers, policymakers, and innovators. It showcases advancements in medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, digital health solutions, and more, connecting stakeholders to drive industry progress. WHX Labs Lagos, previously Medlab West Africa, focuses on laboratory innovation, highlighting AI-driven diagnostics, automation, and precision medicine to strengthen diagnostic capabilities across the region. Co-located at the Landmark Centre, these events create a centralized platform for over 7,000 attendees and 500 global exhibitors from countries like the U.S., Germany, China, and the UAE.
The events are supported by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health, led by Coordinating Minister Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, who will officially open the 2025 edition, alongside partners like the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), ABCHealth, and the West African Institute of Public Health. This backing underscores the event’s role as a pivotal driver of Nigeria’s and West Africa’s healthcare transformation.
Key Features of the Rebrand
- Unified Platform:
- The co-location of WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos creates a seamless experience, integrating medical equipment, solutions, and laboratory diagnostics under one roof. This allows attendees to explore a broader range of innovations, from state-of-the-art imaging to AI-driven lab diagnostics, fostering cross-sector collaboration.
- Exhibitors like Dedalus, Erba, Snibe Diagnostics, and Crown Healthcare will showcase products across eight healthcare sectors, enhancing visibility and business opportunities.
- Enhanced Conference Program:
- Conference Director Cynthia Makarutse highlighted a revamped program featuring interactive sessions, expert-led discussions, and diverse speakers addressing critical topics like digital health, public health, diagnostics, and investment. Notable speakers include Professor Oyewale Tomori (virologist), Dr. Donald Ofili (Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria), and cultural influencer Joke Silva.
- The agenda emphasizes actionable solutions for West Africa’s healthcare challenges, such as accessibility, resilience, and health equity, with sessions on sustainable models and policy shifts.
- Focus on Digital Health and Innovation:
- WHX Labs Lagos will spotlight AI, automation, and digital tools transforming diagnostics, enabling faster disease detection and better patient outcomes. WHX Lagos will showcase telemedicine platforms and electronic health records, addressing geographical barriers and improving care coordination.
- The event serves as a catalyst for Africa’s digital health revolution, connecting startups with investors and providers with new technologies.
- Sustainability Commitment:
- WHX is dedicated to eco-friendly practices, promoting resource-efficient technologies and raising awareness of sustainable healthcare practices through conference sessions. The event encourages exhibitors and attendees to contribute to keeping Lagos green.
- Networking and Business Opportunities:
- With over 7,000 attendees, including clinicians, procurement officers, and policymakers, WHX Lagos offers unparalleled networking. Testimonials from past events, like Peter Ogomuegbulam of Crown Healthcare, highlight connections across Ghana, Nigeria, and beyond, leading to tangible business outcomes.
- Sponsorship opportunities allow brands to gain visibility among top decision-makers, with companies like Ambulanc (Shenzhen) Tech and Getein Biotech already confirmed.
Impact on West Africa’s Healthcare
The rebrand positions WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos as catalysts for addressing West Africa’s pressing healthcare challenges:
- Strengthening Infrastructure: By showcasing advanced technologies and fostering partnerships, the events support Nigeria’s push for resilient, data-driven health systems.
- Medical Laboratories: WHX Labs Lagos bolsters diagnostic capabilities, critical during crises like COVID-19, by promoting collaboration and showcasing innovations in lab science.
- Health Equity: Discussions on accessibility and digital health aim to bridge gaps in care, particularly in underserved regions, through telemedicine and mobile health solutions.
- Sustainable Practices: The focus on eco-friendly technologies aligns with global health trends, encouraging cost-effective and environmentally responsible solutions.
The event’s alignment with Nigeria’s health policy, backed by Minister Pate, reinforces its role in shaping regional healthcare delivery. The Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN) will host its 2025 conference alongside WHX Lagos, themed “The Creative Catalyst – Driving Sustainable Healthcare Solutions in West Africa,” further amplifying its impact.
Sentiment and Expectations
Industry stakeholders and attendees are optimistic about the rebrand. Miracle Nnubia, Medical Director at St. Edward Specialist Hospital, praised WHX Lagos as a platform for networking and improving healthcare services through informative conferences and equipment exhibitions. Posts on X from PSHAN (@pshan_alliance) reflect excitement, inviting professionals to join the June 2 event to “reimagine healthcare delivery.” The rebrand has been hailed as a “new frontier” for healthcare innovation, with expectations of over 7,000 attendees and a transformative impact on the region.
How to Engage
- Attend: Registration is free at www.worldhealthexpo.com. The event is open to healthcare professionals, policymakers, and innovators.
- Exhibit or Sponsor: Companies can book stands or sponsorships to connect with decision-makers. Contact details include WhatsApp (+20 1029346455) or email (provided on the WHX website).
- Prepare: First-time attendees can plan their trip to the Landmark Centre via the event website, which offers brochures and exhibitor lists.
Conclusion
The rebranding of Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa into WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos marks a bold step toward reimagining healthcare in West Africa. By unifying clinical and laboratory sectors, enhancing digital health focus, and fostering sustainable practices, the events aim to drive innovation, collaboration, and equitable healthcare delivery. Set for June 2–4, 2025, at the Landmark Centre, WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos are poised to be a defining moment for the region’s healthcare future, building on a 12-year legacy to unlock Africa’s immense potential. For more details, visit www.worldhealthexpo.com or follow updates from Nairametrics, THISDAYLIVE, or TheCable.