The potential partnership, facilitated by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), validates RusselSmith’s strategic commitment to building advanced manufacturing infrastructure

company’s 3D manufacturing capabilities to Ghana’s maritime sector. The growing regional interest in RusselSmith’s advanced manufacturing solutions underscores Nigeria’s emergence as a credible hub for industrial innovation on the African continent.

The potential partnership, facilitated by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), validates RusselSmith’s strategic commitment to building advanced manufacturing infrastructure that serves not only Nigeria but the broader West African region. With over two decades of experience serving critical industries across the sub-region, the company has positioned itself at the forefront of a technological shift with far-reaching implications for industrial resilience and economic development.

During a courtesy visit to the Ghana Maritime Authority, Kayode Adeleke, Co-founder and CEO of RusselSmith, highlighted the stark reality that while the global 3D manufacturing market was valued at approximately $32 billion in 2024, Africa currently accounts for only about two per cent of that market. This industrial gap, Adeleke emphasised, represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the continent.

To bridge this divide, RusselSmith is preparing to commission the Omnifactory, Nigeria’s first multi-technology industrial 3D manufacturing facility, in Lagos, with plans to develop a flagship Mega Omnifactory facility in Nigeria later this year. Together, these investments are designed to establish Nigeria as a continental anchor for advanced industrial solutions, enabling the local production of complex and critical components across multiple sectors, from maritime and defence to oil and gas, and reducing the cost and lead times associated with importing specialised parts.

Speaking on RusselSmith’s regional ambitions, Adeleke said, “What we are building in Nigeria is advanced manufacturing infrastructure and exportable expertise. The interest from Ghana and other countries in the region validates our approach. When African countries can access advanced manufacturing capabilities locally, we reduce dependence on international supply chains, create high-value jobs, and retain economic value within the continent.”

A practical demonstration of this capability is RusselSmith’s 3D manufacturing technology for vessels, which can produce boats of up to 12 metres in length through large-format additive manufacturing. These vessels offer a sustainable and faster alternative to traditionally constructed boats, which impose significant production timelines and high maintenance burdens on operators across West Africa.

Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, has noted that RusselSmith’s proposal aligns with Ghana’s strategic goal of becoming a leading Blue Nation by prioritising maritime safety and environmental sustainability. The technology’s potential to modernise transport infrastructure while reducing pressure on forest resources presents a compelling case for regional cooperation.

RusselSmith’s capabilities extend across oil and gas, defence, aerospace, and maritime sectors, delivering integrated solutions in asset integrity management and advanced manufacturing. Its ISO-certified operations and partnerships with leading global technology providers reflect its commitment to world-class standards and continuous innovation.

As supply chain vulnerabilities continue to challenge industries across Africa, the ability to manufacture critical components locally represents a strategic advantage with national and regional implications. RusselSmith’s model of combining local expertise with advanced technology offers a practical pathway for building operational resilience while creating sustainable value across the continent.

The discussions between RusselSmith and the Ghana Maritime Authority are ongoing, and both parties look forward to advancing a partnership that could serve as a model for regional industrial cooperation.