Global event organiser, Informa Markets, has announced a major rebranding of its two leading healthcare exhibitions in Nigeria—Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa. The new names, WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos, mark what the company calls a bold transformation in the way healthcare and laboratory events will be hosted in West Africa.
In a statement issued by the company, Informa described the rebranding as a “transformative step” designed to modernise and strengthen the platforms that support Nigeria’s healthcare and laboratory industries. The newly named events will take place from June 2 to 4, 2025, in Lagos.
Informa also disclosed that the events have received strong backing from Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and major professional bodies within the country’s medical field. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammad Ali Pate, has officially endorsed the exhibitions, signalling the Federal Government’s support for private sector-driven innovation in healthcare.
Dr Pate’s endorsement is seen as a significant move in aligning the events with Nigeria’s national health strategy, which focuses on building a stronger, more responsive healthcare system. The exhibitions are expected to bring together stakeholders from across the region—including doctors, laboratory experts, healthcare administrators, medical equipment suppliers, pharmaceutical companies, and government officials.
Tom Coleman, Director of WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos, explained that the rebranding is a “bold evolution” from the previous Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa names, which have been in existence for the past 11 years. He said WHX reflects a forward-thinking platform that connects healthcare professionals and industry leaders under one roof, showcasing the latest in medical technology and laboratory innovation.
“The rebranding of Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa to WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos marks a transformative step in bolstering the healthcare and laboratory sectors in Nigeria and the broader West African region,” Coleman said.
The WHX platform will not only serve as a showcase for cutting-edge medical equipment and innovations but also as a hub for building partnerships among key stakeholders. According to Informa, this new identity will allow for more meaningful networking, deeper engagement, and better access to emerging solutions in healthcare delivery and diagnostics.
Conference Director, Cynthia Makarutse, said the upcoming event will feature a richer conference programme than ever before, offering expert-led discussions, interactive sessions, and specialised panels on pressing issues affecting healthcare across West Africa.
“WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos will not only showcase world-class medical and laboratory technologies but, crucially, will foster vital connections and collaborations that will drive healthcare innovation across West Africa,” Makarutse stated.
She noted that the event will also create new opportunities for knowledge-sharing, capacity building, and solution-based conversations around healthcare reform, digital health, pharmaceutical development, diagnostics, and disease prevention strategies.
Informa also announced that WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos will be co-located, meaning both exhibitions will run side by side within the same venue. This decision is expected to enhance the experience for attendees by offering a one-stop platform for everyone from policymakers to procurement officers, technicians, researchers, and business leaders.
The exhibitions will feature participants and exhibitors from within Nigeria, across Africa, and other parts of the world, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a central hub for healthcare innovation in the region.
With this move, Informa hopes to build on the foundation laid by Medic West Africa and Medlab West Africa while preparing for the future of healthcare in West Africa. The organisers said they are confident that WHX Lagos and WHX Labs Lagos will play a vital role in accelerating progress in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
