The World Health Expo (WHX) will return to Johannesburg, October 6 to 8, 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, bringing together Africa’s healthcare community in the continent’s commercial hub.
Previously known as Africa Health, the event forms part of the global WHX portfolio and signals a new chapter as it reconnects healthcare leaders, innovators and decision-makers from across Africa and beyond.
More than 10,000 professionals are expected to attend, alongside over 600 exhibitors and participants from more than 60 countries.
Spread across 11,500 square metres, the expo will also feature 13 country pavilions, creating a platform for healthcare professionals, medical technology manufacturers, distributors, investors and policymakers to explore partnerships and innovations shaping the future of healthcare on the continent.
The event comes amid continued growth in South Africa’s healthcare sector. The healthcare services market reached 40.3 million US dollars in revenue by 2024, reflecting steady growth since 2019. Connected healthcare platforms are also expanding, with the market valued at 47 million US dollars in 2025 and projected to reach 77.4 million US dollars by 2033.
Hosting the expo in Johannesburg highlights Gauteng’s position as a gateway to African markets. Health expenditure per capita is estimated at 579.53 US dollars in 2025, while the country’s medical devices market stands at 1.12 billion US dollars and is expected to grow to 1.67 billion US dollars by 2032.
The Gallagher Convention Centre, purpose-built for large-scale events, will host this year’s edition with its expansive halls, modern technology and capacity to accommodate thousands of delegates.
Tom Coleman, Portfolio Director for Informa Markets, says the return to Johannesburg reflects both the legacy of the event and the city’s central role in Africa’s healthcare economy.
“Johannesburg is where many of the region’s healthcare businesses connect, trade and grow. Hosting WHX here brings the event closer to industry leaders and decision-makers, creating greater opportunities for collaboration and commercial partnerships across the continent,” he says.
Key features of this year’s expo include a dedicated Laboratory Zone, interactive workshops and industry-focused business forums aimed at strengthening collaboration, knowledge-sharing and commercial growth across the healthcare ecosystem.
The Laboratory Zone will showcase the latest diagnostic technologies, equipment and consumables, bringing together laboratory professionals, procurement specialists and technology providers to improve access to faster, more accurate diagnostics across Africa.
“Laboratory medicine delivers immense value across healthcare systems throughout Africa. World Health Expo provides a valuable platform for professionals to connect, share expertise and explore innovations that can expand access to high-quality diagnostics,” Coleman adds.
The expo will also host three high-level leadership indabas: the Healthcare Excellence Indaba, focusing on hospital infrastructure and system leadership; the Quality and Patient Safety Indaba, centred on compliance and care standards; and the Labs Indaba, which will explore diagnostics, automation and laboratory networks.
These sessions are expected to drive collaboration, highlight emerging trends and bring together senior healthcare and laboratory professionals to shape the future of the industry.
As part of the global World Health Expo portfolio, the event connects healthcare professionals, businesses and governments, supporting innovation, collaboration and trade across international markets. It is also backed by leading organisations including the African Society for Laboratory Medicine and the Southern African Laboratory Diagnostics Association.
Saturday Star