Company Focus: A Look Inside Lukman Aroworamimo’s Leadership Journey

Company Name: Inqaba Biotec

Managing Director, Lukman Aroworanmimo

Inqaba Biotec Genomics Company

Q: For someone hearing about Inqaba Biotec for the first time, how would you describe the company and the work it does across Africa?

A: Occasionally, you’d read in the news how a cure or treatment has been discovered for certain illnesses. For the purpose of this conversation, let’s say HIV. What many do not think about is the effort that goes into making such discoveries. Still on HIV, in order to effectively treat, you’d need to understand the virus that causes the infection deeply. The more we know about it, the more likely we are to effectively fight it. Since all organisms are fundamentally what they are as a result of their genetic makeup, it is crucial to study their genetics. This is where inqaba biotec comes in. We provide the tools and technology required by scientists to study the genetics and genomes of living organisms. 

This knowledge is then applicable to fighting diseases, developing improved crop varieties, detecting presence of infectious pathogens and genetic defects, etc. We empower scientists across the continent by putting the necessary tools required to do these groundbreaking research. 

Q: The name “Inqaba” is unique. What does it signify, and how does it reflect the company’s identity and mission?

A: Indeed the name is unique and literally translates to unique. It is a Xhosa (a South African tribe) word and reflects the soul of our organization. Genomics is typically not what you’d find the average entrepreneur venture into. When we opened our doors for business over twenty years ago in Pretoria, South Africa, we pioneered a  good number of genomics technologies such as next generation sequencing in Africa. 

Q: How did your journey with Inqaba Biotec begin, and what attracted you to the company’s vision and work?

A: I actually joined inqaba biotec as an intern in 2020 upon completion of my BSc at a South African university. After working in the lab for about a year, I discussed the possibility of joining the sales team with the executive director and co-founder. With his support, I decided to relocate to Nigeria and explore the scientific landscape. After a few months traveling across West Africa, I realised that the problem of accessibility to life science research support was widespread.  WIth this in mind, we knew that over the long term, we were going to try and solve this problem across the region. We have of course gone beyond serving clients in just West Africa. We now support scientists across central and North Africa.

Q: You led Inqaba Biotec as Managing Director for 10 years and now serve as Chairman of the Board. How would you describe your personal journey within the company over the years?

A: My journey with Inqaba Biotec has been both foundational and deeply fulfilling. I started with a bold vision: to build a world-class biotech company rooted in Africa, led by Africans. Over ten years as Managing Director, I helped transform that vision into reality by expanding our presence across west and central Africa, building a highly skilled team of scientists, and establishing one of the region’s most advanced genomics infrastructures.

Now, as Chairman of the Board, my focus has shifted to strategic oversight and long-term sustainability. I guide the next generation of leadership while ensuring the company stays anchored in its core values: innovation, integrity, and impact.

Q: Now as Chairman, how has your perspective on leadership and impact evolved?

A: Stepping into the role of Chairman has expanded my view of leadership from execution to legacy. As Managing Director, I was focused on driving growth and solving immediate challenges. Now, my role is about asking deeper questions; about sustainability, succession, and how the company’s work contributes to systems-level change across the continent.

Impact, to me, is no longer just about performance metrics. It’s about institutional strength, long-term relevance, and the kind of culture we leave behind. I’ve learned that true leadership is not just about making decisions, but about shaping environments where others can lead with purpose and clarity.

Q: Inqaba Biotec offers services like DNA synthesis, sequencing, and bioinformatics. Could you walk us through these offerings in simple terms, and highlight how they support the scientific and research community in Africa?

A:  At Inqaba Biotec, we provide tools that help scientists understand

life at the molecular level. DNA synthesis, for instance, allows researchers to create specific genetic sequences in the lab. Think of it as ordering custom-designed building blocks for studying genes or engineering new biological solutions.

DNA sequencing, on the other hand, helps identify the exact order of genetic information crucial for diagnosing diseases, studying biodiversity, or improving crop varieties. Bioinformatics ties it all together. It uses software and data analysis to make sense of the massive information these technologies produce.

By offering these services locally, we’re removing barriers that once forced African researchers to depend on labs abroad. We’re saving time, reducing costs, and enabling groundbreaking research to happen right here; whether it’s tracking disease outbreaks, conserving wildlife, or improving food security. It’s about giving Africa the tools to solve its own scientific challenges.

Q: Inqaba Biotec has a strong presence in several African countries. What strategies have driven this expansion, and what lessons have emerged from scaling across diverse regions?

A: Our expansion has been guided by a clear principle: listen locally, build regionally, and maintain global standards. We’ve never used a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, we collaborate closely with local scientists, universities, and research institutions to understand and respond to the specific needs of each country, whether that’s advancing disease diagnostics in Nigeria or supporting agricultural genomics in Ghana.

A good example is our work in Senegal. There, we had to navigate both linguistic and regulatory complexities unique to the Francophone space. We responded by hiring bilingual scientists, adjusting our offerings, and partnering with local academic institutions. This localized, respectful approach helped us earn trust and achieve meaningful growth.

The biggest lesson is that scaling across Africa requires more than a business plan. It takes cultural sensitivity, long-term thinking, and a commitment to co-creation. When you grow with communities rather than ahead of them, you build something truly sustainable.

Q: Are there any recent innovations, launches, or milestones the company is especially proud of?

A: One of our most significant recent milestones is the launch of Africa’s first PacBio Revio DNA sequencing platform, achieved through a strategic partnership with the University of South Africa (UNISA).
This state-of-the-art, third-generation long-read sequencing system enhances our capacity to provide high-quality genomic data, crucial for advanced research in genomics and epigenetics.
In addition to the Revio system, we've independently acquired the PacBio Onso platform, a short-read sequencing system known for its exceptional data quality. Together, these platforms position us to offer comprehensive next-generation sequencing (NGS) services to researchers across the continent. 

These advancements underscore our commitment to empowering African scientists with cutting-edge tools, fostering local research capabilities, and contributing to global genomic initiatives.

Q: Are there any recent collaborations or impactful projects you’d like to spotlight?

A:

1. Partnership with UNISA: Launch of Africa’s First PacBio Revio
Sequencing Platform
In collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA), Inqaba
Biotec has introduced Africa's first PacBio Revio long-read DNA sequencing system. This state-of-the-art platform, housed at Inqaba
Biotec’s Pretoria facility, significantly enhances the continent's genomic research capabilities. The joint initiative aims to provide cost-effective access to cutting-edge sequencing technologies for researchers across Africa, facilitating advanced studies in genomics and epigenetics.


   1. Collaboration with the African BioGenome Project (AfricaBP)
Inqaba Biotec is actively collaborating with the African BioGenome
Project to advance genomic research across the continent. This1 partnership focuses on sequencing dozens of indigenous African genomes, a monumental effort to enhance biodiversity conservation, agriculture,
and health research. By providing access to advanced sequencing
platforms like the PacBio Revio and Onso systems, Inqaba Biotec supports AfricaBP's mission to generate high-quality genomic data for various African species.


2. Bioinformatics Workshops in West Africa
Inqaba Biotec West Africa has been organizing bioinformatics workshops over the past decade. These workshops aim to build capacity among African scientists by providing training in genomic data analysis and bioinformatics tools. Such initiatives are crucial for empowering local researchers and fostering a robust scientific community across the continent.

Q: What’s one major challenge you’ve faced as Board Chairman or MD, and how did you lead the company through it?

A: One of the most defining challenges I faced was during the COVID-19
pandemic. The entire biotech supply chain was disrupted, from international shipping delays to the unavailability of critical reagents. At the same time, demand for molecular diagnostics surged across Africa, and Inqaba Biotec was at the center of that response. Leading through that moment required decisive and calm leadership. We mobilized our regional teams, restructured procurement strategies, and leveraged direct relationships with suppliers. We also partnered with ministries of health in several countries to support national testing efforts.
Despite the disruptions, we ensured supply continuity, expanded our testing capacity, and delivered critical resources to institutions
conducting life-saving work. It was a period that tested our resilience and proved our value to the region.

Q: Looking back, what accomplishment, either personal or company-wide brings you the most pride?

A: What brings me the most pride is not only the company’s growth across the continent and how much of the scientific ecosystem we’ve impacted. It is the people we have nurtured and the culture we have built.
Seeing African scientists, many of whom joined us as interns or junior staff, now leading labs and mentoring others is deeply meaningful to me. We have created a space where African excellence in science is visible, respected, and global in ambition. Inqaba Biotec has become more than a company. It is a platform for talent, innovation, and long-term impact. That, for me, is the real accomplishment.

Q: What are your dreams and goals for Inqaba Biotec in the next 5 years?

A: Over the next five years, our vision is to see Inqaba Biotec become the go-to platform for African-led innovation in genomics and biotechnology. I want us to not only expand our technical capabilities but also deepen our presence in countries where scientific infrastructure is still emerging. That includes setting up regional centers of excellence, increasing access to sequencing technologies, and scaling our bioinformatics training programs.
I also hope to position Inqaba Biotec as a key contributor to Africa's
public health and food security agenda. Whether it's through pathogen surveillance, crop genomics, or data-driven diagnostics, I see us playing a larger role in shaping science policy and building local capacity that lasts.

Q: What’s one dream or vision you’re still working toward for yourself to achieve a broader impact?

A:  A personal vision I continue to pursue is creating a pan-African innovation and leadership hub that nurtures young scientists, entrepreneurs, and policy thinkers. I want to help close the gap between technical knowledge and leadership in Africa by building spaces where ideas can be tested, refined, and scaled into real solutions.
This goes beyond biotechnology. It’s about shaping the ecosystem; supporting people who are solving problems that matter to their communities. If I can contribute to a generation of African leaders who are both scientifically grounded and socially driven, I will consider that my most meaningful impact. I should say that I am also deeply passionate about investment and improvement in in African hospitality.