RussellSmith, Nigeria’s leading provider of advanced manufacturing and asset integrity solutions, has confirmed it is in discussions with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) to introduce its 3D manufacturing capabilities to the Ghanaian maritime sector.
The growing regional interest in RussellSmith’s advanced manufacturing solutions is a testament to Nigeria’s emergence as a credible hub for industrial innovation on the African continent.
This potential partnership, facilitated by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), reinforces RussellSmith’s strategic commitment to building an advanced manufacturing infrastructure serving not only Nigeria, but the entire West African region.
With over two decades of experience serving critical industries in the sub-region, the group has positioned itself at the forefront of a technological transformation with significant implications for industrial resilience and economic development.
During a courtesy visit to the Ghana Maritime Authority, Kayode Adeleke, co-founder and CEO of RussellSmith, highlighted a striking reality: while the global 3D printing market is projected to reach approximately $32 billion by 2024,
Africa currently accounts for only about two per cent of that market. This industry gap, Adeleke emphasized, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the continent.
To bridge this gap, RussellSmith is preparing to commission the Omnifactory, Nigeria’s first multi-technology 3D industrial manufacturing facility in Lagos, with the ambition of developing a flagship facility, the Mega Omnifactory, in Nigeria later this year.
Together, these investments aim to establish Nigeria as a continental hub for advanced industrial solutions, enabling the local production of complex and critical components across multiple sectors from marine and defense to oil and gas, while reducing the costs and lead times associated with importing specialized parts.
Speaking about RussellSmith’s regional ambitions, Mr. Adeleke said: “What we are building in Nigeria is advanced manufacturing infrastructure and exportable know-how.
The interest shown by Ghana and other countries in the region validates our approach. When African countries can access advanced manufacturing capabilities locally, we develop valuable skills and industrial capacity, create high-value jobs, and retain economic value within the continent.”
A concrete illustration of this capability is RussellSmith’s 3D shipbuilding technology, which enables the production of vessels up to twelve meters long using large-format additive manufacturing.
These vessels offer a sustainable and faster alternative to traditionally built boats, which impose considerable production lead times and heavy maintenance burdens on operators throughout West Africa.
Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali, Director General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, noted that RussellSmith’s proposal aligns with Ghana’s strategic objective of becoming a leading “Blue Nation,” prioritizing maritime security and environmental sustainability. The potential of this technology to modernize transport infrastructure while reducing pressure on forest resources is a compelling argument for regional cooperation.
RussellSmith’s expertise spans the oil and gas, defense, aerospace, and marine sectors, with integrated solutions in asset integrity management and advanced manufacturing. Its ISO-certified operations and partnerships with leading global technology suppliers demonstrate its commitment to world-class standards and continuous innovation.
As supply chain vulnerabilities continue to plague industries across Africa, the ability to locally manufacture critical components represents a strategic advantage with national and regional implications. RussellSmith’s model, which combines local expertise with advanced technology, offers a pragmatic path to strengthening operational resilience while creating sustainable value across the continent.
According to the report distributed by the APO Group for RussellSmith, discussions between RussellSmith and the Ghana Maritime Authority are ongoing, and both parties intend to advance a partnership that could serve as a model for regional industrial cooperation.
GIK/APA