Advanced Manufacturing: A Faster Route to Industrialization – CWEIC
The Future of Industrialisation in Africa: Embracing Advanced Manufacturing
Ghana, and by extension the entire African continent, stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward industrialisation. Traditional factory-led models have long been the norm, but emerging technologies like 3D printing are offering a more efficient and practical alternative. This shift is not just theoretical; it is being championed by industry leaders who see advanced manufacturing as a key driver for economic growth.
Samantha Cohen, chief executive of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), highlighted this potential during an exclusive interview with Business & Financial Times (B&FT) following the Africa Prosperity Dialogue 2026 in Accra. According to Cohen, new technologies can help African economies shorten supply chains and reduce the “supply chain tax” that currently costs firms between 6 percent and 10 percent of their annual revenue due to logistics disruptions.
“Advanced manufacturing allows Africa to move past the ‘waiting room’ of traditional industrialisation,” she explained. “We are seeing a move toward a model where production is not just localised but immediate, removing the friction of geography that has historically hampered the continent’s growth.”
The Growing 3D Printing Market
The global market for the 3D printing sector alone is on course to reach US$200 billion by 2035, with an annualised growth rate of 18 to 22 percent. This rapid expansion underscores the transformative potential of additive manufacturing, which is already making waves across industries.
Advanced manufacturing encompasses more than just 3D printing. It includes technologies such as the industrial internet of things (IIoT) and digital twins, all of which enable countries to bypass the massive capital outlays required by conventional factories. This shift could be particularly beneficial for African nations, which often face financial constraints when trying to establish large-scale manufacturing infrastructure.
Africa's Mineral Reserves vs. Manufacturing Output
Despite holding roughly 30 percent of the world’s mineral reserves, Africa currently accounts for only three percent of value-added global manufacturing. This disparity highlights the need for a more innovative approach to industrial development.
Technologies like 3D printing enable smaller-scale, localised production that is closely aligned with demand. This model allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to market needs, reducing waste and improving efficiency.
Across the continent, efforts are being made to use powdered metals to manufacture industrial components. In specialised sectors, this technology can reduce the cost of a single complex component by as much as 75 percent. More importantly, it slashes lead times for critical spare parts from four months to as little as four days, allowing infrastructure to remain operational rather than waiting weeks for imports.
Key Benefits of Advanced Manufacturing
- Reduced Costs: By enabling localised production, advanced manufacturing significantly lowers the cost of producing complex components.
- Faster Production Cycles: Technologies like 3D printing drastically cut down lead times, ensuring that essential parts are available when needed.
- Lower Capital Requirements: Compared to traditional factories, advanced manufacturing requires less upfront investment, making it more accessible for developing economies.
- Improved Supply Chain Efficiency: Shorter supply chains mean fewer disruptions and lower operational costs.
Conclusion
As Africa continues to explore new pathways for industrial growth, the adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies presents a promising opportunity. With the right policies and investments, these innovations could help the continent leapfrog traditional industrialisation models and build a more resilient, competitive economy. The future of manufacturing in Africa may not be about building bigger factories, but about creating smarter, more agile systems that respond to local needs and global challenges.
