Opportunity Issue 115

Solving

Solving criticallaboratory challengesDigital systems can enhance efficiency, compliance and data integrity, says LabWare Africa’sManaging Director, Karabo Maloka.What does LabWare Africa do?LabWare is a global laboratory informatics company thatprovides Laboratory Information Management Systems(LIMS) and Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN) to helplaboratories manage samples, workflows, test data andregulatory compliance.Why is it important for laboratories to have the kinds ofsystems that you sell?Laboratories require systems like LIMS and ELN to addresskey challenges in modern operations. Compliance and dataintegrity are essential for ensuring credible results acrossvarious industries, as required by accreditation bodiessuch as ISO and the FDA. This is especially important inpharmaceuticals, healthcare, food and environmental sectors.To what extent is AI playing a role in the work that you aredoing now, and what role will it play in months and yearsto come?LabWare’s machine learning and AI capabilities help identifylab trends, allowing businesses to proactively maintain quality.Our dynamic reporting tools generate targeted data sets andformal reports, enabling customers to maximise the valueof their data. In the coming months and years, AI will driveadvanced features such as real-time data analysis, predictivemaintenance, intelligent automation and adaptive learningsystems, supporting smarter and more innovative solutions.Is South Africa ready for AI?South Africa has laid solid groundwork towards becomingan AI-capable nation, with significant investments, innovation,and skills development happening across many sectors.However, its policy framework remains fragmented, andSouth Africa needs to align its national AI strategy to supportlong-term, ethical and inclusive adoption. It will be interestingto see whether the G20 Summit will clarify how thesestrategies may lead to coordinated action.Karabo Maloka, Managing Director of LabWare Africa.Are you positive about the sector in which you operate inSouth Africa now?I am optimistic about the LIMS sector, not only in South Africa

LabWare AfricaCustomer Community.but in the entire continent. The increased demand for laboratorydigitisation, data integrity and compliance is creating strongopportunities across various industries.While skills shortages remain a challenge, the steady influxof science, IT and engineering graduates offers a valuabletalent pool in which we can tap into, and by providing targetedtraining, mentorship and partnerships with universities, we candevelop these graduates into LIMS specialists, helping to addresscritical skills gaps and advance the sector.Are you a subsidiary of the international group, and what isthe footprint of the parent company?LabWare is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, whereall research and development activities take place. We haveinvested in establishing sales and support facilities worldwideto provide the best possible assistance to our customers aroundthe globe. Our international network of over 40 offices across sixcontinents ensures that LabWare has a truly global presence.How long has LabWare Africa been functioning and how fasthas the local company progressed?LabWare Africa has been in operation for 27 years and has beengrowing rapidly over the last 10 years, having expanded acrossthe entire continent.How many staff does your office have?LabWare Africa has 42 employees. Expansion plans are in place togrow the company across the continent with a key focus on Eastand West Africa.As the newly appointed MD, what are your short-term andmedium-term priorities?As the newly appointed MD, my short-term priorities are tostabilise operations, strengthen stakeholder relationshipsand secure quick wins that build confidence and momentum.In the medium term, I will focus on driving regional growthacross Sub-Saharan Africa, investing in developing talentand embedding operational excellence to position LabWareas a trusted leader in laboratory digitalisation and longtermsustainability.What are your plans for African countries other thanSouth Africa?LabWare Africa aims to increase the use of LIMS throughoutSub-Saharan Africa. This region has significant potential forgrowth, with laboratories in healthcare, mining, agricultureand pharmaceuticals increasingly embracing digital solutionsto improve efficiency, compliance and data accuracy. The pushfor ISO 17025 accreditation, tighter regulatory requirementsand widespread digital transformation in both governmentand private sectors is further driving demand for LIMS. Mystrategy across the continent is to deliver solutions that respondto local needs and support modernisation and digitaltransformation efforts.Is your background in computers or in laboratory work,or both?I have a Chemical Engineering background having worked fora process-engineering firm. When I arrived at LabWare I wasunaware of the vast world of Laboratory Informatics and howmuch there is to learn out there. This required me to dig deepin bridging the gap between my science background and IT.Luckily, I was provided with enough resources to enable me tobridge this gap and has allowed me to succeed in this field.How would you describe your leadership style?I take a collaborative and transformational approach thatbuilds trust, inclusivity and shared decision-making. My goalis to inspire my teams to embrace change and innovationby aligning them with purpose as well as supporting theirgrowth, creating an environment where everyoneis empowered to contribute and achieve lasting impact forthe organisation.