Awarded African Makerspaces

Ghana

Design & Technology Institute - Located in Ghana, the Design & Technology Institute is dedicated to transforming the livelihoods of young people through its dual Technical and Vocational Education and Training system (TVET). As a leading industrial job training and prototype centre in West Africa, DTI prepares its participants to develop innovative solutions for local and continental challenges. The makerspace environment fosters creativity, collaboration & problem-solving, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the global market.

Kumasi Hive - Located in Ghana, Kumasi Hive is an innovation hub dedicated to rapid prototyping, local innovation & supporting impact start-ups. By promoting youth entrepreneurship, they aim to address socio-economic and developmental challenges. The Hardware Incubator program helps promising hardware start-ups to transition from idea to market-ready product with technical & business development support. Additionally, the Business Accelerator program offers comprehensive support for non-hardware start-ups, aiding early-stage ventures in achieving growth.

Triple Dimension -

Kenya

FABLAB Winam - Located in Kisumu, Western Kenya, FABLAB Winam is a vibrant makerspace dedicated to collaboration, innovation & hands-on learning to encourage local manufacturing & economic growth. They bring together a community of makers, artisans, professionals, educators, students & hobbyists to share ideas, tools & resources. By using people-centred design approaches, they address socio-economic challenges, foster innovation & entrepreneurship. Their space offers access to digital fabrication tools, prototyping facilities & courses, through the Fab Design Academy.

Gearbox - Located in Nairobi, Kenya, Gearbox was founded in 2014 and is a pioneering makerspace dedicated to bridging the gap between classroom skills and market needs. They provide a supportive ecosystem for hardware innovators and entrepreneurs, offering access to prototyping facilities with advanced tools not typically available to start-ups and individuals. Gearbox Academy delivers innovative knowledge in design and fabrication techniques, whilst their incubation, investment & business development services help bring new invention to market efficiently. By empowering local artisans and promoting local manufacturing, Gearbox plays a crucial role in enhancing productivity and economic growth in Kenya.

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I.O.ME254 - With locations in Lamu and Mombasa, I.O.ME254 is Kenya's first humanitarian-based innovation and fabrication lab dedicated to turning ideas into reality. They provide a collaborative environment where individuals from diverse fields can work together on innovative projects. Equipped with advanced tools, they support digital manufacturing and prototyping. Their focus is on empowering youth and marginalised communities through training, incubation & access to cutting-edge technology. By fostering creativity and leveraging technology, they aim to address local challenges and promote sustainable development.

South Africa

Flat Rock Studio - Located in Cape Town, South Africa, Flat Rock Studio specialises in custom design and fabrication. They pride themselves on craftmanship and creativity, transforming ideas into tangible realities.

The Makerspace Foundation - Located in Durban, South Africa, the Makerspace Foundation is a non-profit organisation dedicated to unlocking the potential of people through collaboration, creativity & technology. Embracing the principles of the maker movement and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the Makerspace believes that anyone can make anything, anywhere. They provide access to resources, expertise & equipment. Their mission is to unlock creativity in a physical way, enabling individuals to realise their creative potential and contribute to their communities.

Tshimologong Makerspace - Located in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, Tshimologong Makerspace empowers young, innovative individuals through collaborative making, training & upskilling. Specialising in digital tech solutions such as 3D printing, laser cutting, electronics & robotics, they foster an environment of experimentation and purposeful play. It aims to develop employable, self-employed & entrepreneurial talent, contributing to the growth of a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the digital economy.