Opportunity Issue 115

Solving critical

Solving critical laboratory challenges Digital systems can enhance efficiency, compliance and data integrity, says LabWare Africa’s Managing Director, Karabo Maloka. What does LabWare Africa do? LabWare is a global laboratory informatics company that provides Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Electronic Laboratory Notebooks (ELN) to help laboratories manage samples, workflows, test data and regulatory compliance. Why is it important for laboratories to have the kinds of systems that you sell? Laboratories require systems like LIMS and ELN to address key challenges in modern operations. Compliance and data integrity are essential for ensuring credible results across various industries, as required by accreditation bodies such as ISO and the FDA. This is especially important in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, food and environmental sectors. To what extent is AI playing a role in the work that you are doing now, and what role will it play in months and years to come? LabWare’s machine learning and AI capabilities help identify lab trends, allowing businesses to proactively maintain quality. Our dynamic reporting tools generate targeted data sets and formal reports, enabling customers to maximise the value of their data. In the coming months and years, AI will drive advanced features such as real-time data analysis, predictive maintenance, intelligent automation and adaptive learning systems, supporting smarter and more innovative solutions. Is South Africa ready for AI? South Africa has laid solid groundwork towards becoming an AI-capable nation, with significant investments, innovation, and skills development happening across many sectors. However, its policy framework remains fragmented, and South Africa needs to align its national AI strategy to support long-term, ethical and inclusive adoption. It will be interesting to see whether the G20 Summit will clarify how these strategies may lead to coordinated action. Karabo Maloka, Managing Director of LabWare Africa. Are you positive about the sector in which you operate in South Africa now? I am optimistic about the LIMS sector, not only in South Africa

LabWare Africa Customer Community. but in the entire continent. The increased demand for laboratory digitisation, data integrity and compliance is creating strong opportunities across various industries. While skills shortages remain a challenge, the steady influx of science, IT and engineering graduates offers a valuable talent pool in which we can tap into, and by providing targeted training, mentorship and partnerships with universities, we can develop these graduates into LIMS specialists, helping to address critical skills gaps and advance the sector. Are you a subsidiary of the international group, and what is the footprint of the parent company? LabWare is headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, USA, where all research and development activities take place. We have invested in establishing sales and support facilities worldwide to provide the best possible assistance to our customers around the globe. Our international network of over 40 offices across six continents ensures that LabWare has a truly global presence. How long has LabWare Africa been functioning and how fast has the local company progressed? LabWare Africa has been in operation for 27 years and has been growing rapidly over the last 10 years, having expanded across the entire continent. How many staff does your office have? LabWare Africa has 42 employees. Expansion plans are in place to grow the company across the continent with a key focus on East and West Africa. As the newly appointed MD, what are your short-term and medium-term priorities? As the newly appointed MD, my short-term priorities are to stabilise operations, strengthen stakeholder relationships and secure quick wins that build confidence and momentum. In the medium term, I will focus on driving regional growth across Sub-Saharan Africa, investing in developing talent and embedding operational excellence to position LabWare as a trusted leader in laboratory digitalisation and longterm sustainability. What are your plans for African countries other than South Africa? LabWare Africa aims to increase the use of LIMS throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. This region has significant potential for growth, with laboratories in healthcare, mining, agriculture and pharmaceuticals increasingly embracing digital solutions to improve efficiency, compliance and data accuracy. The push for ISO 17025 accreditation, tighter regulatory requirements and widespread digital transformation in both government and private sectors is further driving demand for LIMS. My strategy across the continent is to deliver solutions that respond to local needs and support modernisation and digital transformation efforts. Is your background in computers or in laboratory work, or both? I have a Chemical Engineering background having worked for a process-engineering firm. When I arrived at LabWare I was unaware of the vast world of Laboratory Informatics and how much there is to learn out there. This required me to dig deep in bridging the gap between my science background and IT. Luckily, I was provided with enough resources to enable me to bridge 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 that builds trust, inclusivity and shared decision-making. My goal is to inspire my teams to embrace change and innovation by aligning them with purpose as well as supporting their growth, creating an environment where everyone is empowered to contribute and achieve lasting impact for the organisation.