Know about ASLM2026
ABOUT | ASLM2026

ASLM 2026 is the African Society for Laboratory Medicine’s 7th Biennial Conference, convening leaders across laboratory medicine, public health, research, policy, and industry to advance integrated diagnostics for health security.

08–11 December 2026
Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC)
Cape Town, South Africa
Theme
Integrated Diagnostics for Health Security: Investing in Sustainable Impact
Conference Overview

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan‑African organization dedicated to strengthening laboratory medicine and healthcare diagnostics across Africa through leadership, advocacy, and coordinated technical support.

ASLM 2026 will convene global and African leaders in laboratory medicine, public health, research, policy, and industry to accelerate the adoption of integrated diagnostics approaches that support resilient health systems and effective responses to public health threats.

The conference will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) in Cape Town, South Africa, from 08–11 December 2026.

ASLM2026 at a Glance
Why Attend
Why Attend ASLM2026

ASLM2026 is the premier platform bringing together laboratory professionals, policymakers, researchers, and partners to advance integrated diagnostics and strengthen health security across Africa.

Advance Integrated Diagnostics & Health Security

Engage with cutting‑edge discussions on diagnostics, laboratory systems strengthening, genomics, AMR, and quality systems that directly inform policy and practice across Africa.

Connect with Leaders & Decision Makers

Build meaningful connections with laboratory leaders, ministries of health, regional institutions, global health partners, and industry shaping the future of laboratory medicine.

Shape the Future of Laboratory Medicine in Africa

Contribute to continental and global dialogue that influences policy, investment, innovation, and long‑term impact in laboratory medicine.

Conference Theme

Plenaries & Policy Dialogue

High‑level plenaries and policy discussions bringing together continental and global leaders to address strategic priorities in diagnostics and health security.

Workshops & Scientific Presentations

Workshops and scientific sessions providing a platform for evidence sharing, practical learning, and discussion of innovations and best practices.

Exhibitions & Networking

An exhibition and networking programme enabling engagement between participants, partners, and industry to strengthen collaborations and explore solutions.

 

Meet Our Co-Chairs
Conference Leadership
Prof. Christian Happi
KEYNOTE

Prof. Christian Happi

Director

African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID)

Professor Christian Happi is a distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Genomics and Director of the Institute of Genomics and Global Health at Redeemer's University. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and a Visiting Professor at Harvard University's Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology. His work has been instrumental in advancing genomic surveillance and global health research in Africa.

Prof. Koleka Mlisana
KEYNOTE

Prof. Koleka Mlisana

CEO

National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS)

Professor Koleka Mlisana is the Chief Executive Officer of the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). She has served as Executive Manager for Academic Affairs, Research, and Quality Assurance at NHLS from July 2018 to April 2024. She is also a member of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf).

Meet Our Committees
Scientific Committee

The Scientific Committee provides strategic oversight and technical leadership for the ASLM 2026 scientific programme, ensuring quality, relevance, and alignment with continental and global health priorities.

Prof. Isabella Oyier
Co-Chair

Head of Biosciences, KEMRI–Wellcome Trust Research Programme.

Prof. Sikhulile Moyo
Co-Chair

Laboratory Director, Harvard School of Public Health / Botswana Harvard Health Partnership

Dr. Kgomotso Makhaola
Secretariat

Senior Science Manager, African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)

Dr. Talkmore Maruta
Member

Director of Programs, African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM)

Dr. Yenew Kebede
Member

Acting Director, Centre for Laboratory Diagnostics, Africa CDC

Ms. Candance B. Eastman
Member

Chief Executive Officer, Africabio Enterprises, Liberia

Dr. George Alemnji
Member

Senior Technical Advisor for Laboratory Services, U.S. Department of State

Prof. Nicaise Ndembi
Member

Deputy Director General, International Vaccine Institute, Kigali, Rwanda

Dr. Lara Vojnov
Member

Independent Consultant

Prof. Larbi Baassi
Member

President, African Biological Safety Association (AfBSA), Morocco

Organizing Committee
Nqobile Ndlovu

Executive Sponsor.

Joshua Mwangi

Overall Coordinator

Dr. Talkmore Maruta

Lead: Scientific Program, Speakers, Abstracts, Satellites, Symposia & Scholarships

Anafi Mataka

Member: Scientific Program, Speakers, Abstracts, Satellites, Symposia & Scholarships

Dr. Kgomotso Makhaola

Lead: Scientific Program, Speakers, Abstracts, Satellites, Symposia & Scholarships

Megan Kelly

Lead: Sponsorships, Exhibitions & Booths

Nelly Rwenji

Lead Comms, Branding & Marketing

Fumbani Brown

Lead, Finance

Johnson Shonhe

 Lead, Procurement & Logistics

Fitsum Abebe

Lead ICT

Dates
Key Dates

Key milestones and deadlines for registration, abstract submission, programme release, and the conference.

Registration

Secure your spot early for discounted rates

Early registration closes
01 September 2026

Abstracts

Submit your research for presentation

Abstract submission closes
31 July 2026
Abstract decisions communicated
29 August 2026

Programme

View and finalize the conference schedule

Final programme – no changes
30 September 2026

Conference

Join us in Cape Town for the main event

CTICC setup & side symposia
06–07 December 2026