Market Dialogues
Fablab Winam, Kenya
Having engaged in market dialogue with local carpenters and furniture makers, they uncovered valuable insights into production processes and shared challenges. The market dialogue training initiative aligns with Fablab Winam's mission to enhance local manufacturing using innovative tools and technologies.
By meeting artisans directly at their Jua Kali workplaces, they minimised disruptions and gained a deeper understanding of their work dynamics. It was observed that these artisans rely heavily on traditional tools and face significant challenges in product design and finishing. Despite serving a diverse clientele they are hindered by inflation, intense competition & limited workspace. This dialogue identified opportunities for Fablab Winam to introduce digital fabrication tools, such as CNC machines, to improve precision and efficiency, improving product quality & revenue generation. Fablab Winam is dedicated to following up with these artisans, inviting them to explore the available tools & developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2025 to integrate them as part of the Fablab Winam makerspace community.
The market dialogues capacity building initiative has significantly impacted the local artisans and the broader ecosystem, driving position changes, promoting innovation & sustainability in Africa's manufacturing sector. This initiative has facilitated the introduction of digital fabrications which has significantly improved production precision and efficiency. Training sessions have empowered artisans to focus on product design & finishing techniques, resulting in higher quality products and increased revenue potential reaching a wider audience.
Design & Technology Institute (DTI), Ghana
As part of the market dialogue training under the RISA Innovative Manufacturing in Africa project, DTI makerspace accentuated the transformational impact of the makerspace training on its participants, whilst also addressing areas for improvement. In a virtual townhall setting, alumni and trainees shared their experiences and provided valuable suggestions for enhancing the makerspace's resources and curriculum. They discussed the practical skills gained in 3D modelling, prototyping, robotics & programming. Attendants highlighted how these skills have positively impacted their careers & projects.
Several challenges were noted. Trainees cited difficulties in accessing specialised equipment outside of the DTI, like 3D printers and CNC machines & issues within the makerspace like faulty equipment & limited resources. There was also a call to expand engagement to promote a collaborative learning environment that integrates technical skills with business acuity. The role of a dedicated makerspace coordinator was praised as a significant enhancement, providing support and troubleshooting when necessary.
The market dialogue capacity building package has played a decisive role by equipping DTI with the tools and resources for open and structured dialogues. This approach allowed for positive feedback and constructive criticism, reinforcing DTI's commitment to continuously evolving the makerspace to better meet trainees' needs.
Makerspace Durban, South Africa
By championing a sustainable business model for makerspaces, a new organisation has been established to support and empower African makerspaces. This organisation focuses on fundraising for project implementation and deploying grants through a robust network, ensuring most resources are channelled to and through local partners.
The sustainable business model democratises access to funding for makerspaces, leveraging their existing local networks to deliver substantial value. This approach allows for a formalised structure to build capacity within the organisation, creating a unified and stronger network, rather than relying solely on individual makerspaces to drive these initiatives.
IOMe254, Kenya
As part of ongoing efforts to enhance collaboration, gather feedback and highlight their capabilities, IOMe 254 have engaged in market dialogues with various communities and artisans, with the aim to further market their activities and promote innovation within the community.
Their digital fabrication students actively participated in these dialogues, showcasing their innovative products and engaging in discussions with community members. This hands-on interaction provided the students with real-world experience and valuable insights into community needs and preferences, allowing them to customise the lab's products according to end-user requirements.
During the Pwani Innovation Week at SwahiliPot in October, the lab exhibited its diverse range of capabilities and activities. The event attracted a broad spectrum of entrepreneurs and investors. The exhibition encouraged entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts to utilise these resources for their ventures, fostering an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship. This event also served as a platform to connect with other participants, significantly raising awareness and exposure for the lab's initiatives, attracting investment and support to further enhance its impact and reach.
Discussions with local artisans and carpenters emphasised the integration of craftmanship to meet the increasing demands of the community, maximise profits and ease their workload. The initiative empowered the local artisans by providing them with access to advanced fabrication technologies and resources.
Through these strategic market dialogues the lab has significantly strengthened its ties with the community, artisans and investors. This engagement has showcased the lab's capabilities while providing valuable feedback and insights to drive future innovation and collaboration.
Business Models
IOMe254, Kenya
A new differential pricing model has been successfully implemented for children's classes, involving charging more to those who can afford it, thus subsidising free places for those who would benefit. The initial trial was a success, with ten students paying full price, allowing two students to receive scholarships.
The development and implementation of this business model was significantly influenced by Gertrude Goh's training and mentoring. Additionally, targeting marketing materials were created to attract affluent parents, supporting the program's financial sustainability and inclusivity goals.
Triple Dimension, Ghana
Their focus is on developing sustainable business models for building machinery and open-source machinery designs. One of their talented makers, Boakye Oppong recently connected with makerspace representatives from Nigeria and Sierra Leone at the AfriLabs annual gathering, showcasing the potential & interest in Triple Dimension's innovative machinery designs. Engaging with these makerspaces has expanded Triple Dimensions network, leading to potential collaborations and business opportunities.
Leveraging these connections, Triple Dimension's initiative is paving the way for new work in building machines and crafting open-source designs for CNC machines and laser cutters - opening a new business avenue and contributing significantly to the sustainability of makerspaces to generate additional revenue. The impact of Triple Dimension's efforts was particularly evident during the African Makerspace Ecosystem Gathering, where makerspaces acknowledged the invaluable training and support provided by lead trainers Anna Lowe and Gertrude Goh. This initiative has proven crucial in empowering makerspaces across Africa, ensuring their sustainability and encouraging continuous innovation.
Fablab Winam, Kenya
Through mentorship sessions on business models and capacity building packages, FabLab Winam identified equipment hire as a valuable addition to their business model. Their facility is equipped with digital fabrication tools such as 3D printers, CNC routers & PCB milling machines, so they have developed a standard price list for hiring out their equipment. Just days after launching this initiative, they successfully hired out 3D printers, laptops and a projector.
Early success proved that equipment hire is an effective revenue-generating model for the makerspace. To safeguard the hired equipment, FabLab Winam ensures proper documentation is completed before and after issuing and receiving machines. With this new business model package, a detailed record-keeping system has been developed, tracking the machine’s location, price & hire period.
Consistent mentorship from Anna Sera Lowe and learning materials shared to the makerspace provided invaluable support. Stories and discussions from other makerspaces and the OCBM contributed to shaping the direction that turned their assets into income-generating activities for FabLab Winam.
Accessing Funding
Design and Technology Institute (DTI), Ghana
Michael Danquah manages the makerspace at the DTI in Accra and actively participated in all the training webinars. Following the training, Michael met Christian Gmelin, a senior policymaker at GIZ and Head of Collaborative Innovation, at the AfriLabs Gathering. With direct assistance from consultant Victoria Wenzelmann, they drafted a concept note in Cape Town that aligned with GIZ's priorities. Michael refined the note and shared it with DTI and GIZ, marking his first solo effort in bid writing. Previously his sole focus was on technology within the makerspace, but the training instilled confidence in him to venture into fundraising.
Such training has significantly impacted Michael's career, both for him and the DTI makerspace. Feedback from last year’s project emphasised the need for assistance in pricing bids, leading to a well-received webinar on the topic. Before this, makerspace managers rarely encountered such training. This year's project expanded these efforts, underscoring the relevance of fundraising for everyone in the emerging ecosystem - the advice and tips on networking are invaluable.
IOMe254, Kenya
Mike Odhiambo recently wrote and submitted his first grant application after attending the initial webinars on grant writing. The application was a success! UNESCO awarded a grant for new activities in the makerspace, hopefully signalling the beginning of a long-term partnership.
This grant is helping the makerspace diversify its income streams to become more stable. Mike reported that he applied various tips and tricks from the webinars, including aligning the project title with the funding opportunity to enhance support.
Conesam Lagos (ASI), Nigeria
The training on accessing funding has significantly improved their understanding of grant applications and tendering processes. The training provided clear tips, tricks and documentation templates, increasing their chances of securing funding. Additionally, there is now ample support for developing proposals.
Training was facilitated by experts with a proven record of successful funding and grant access, who provided the necessary technical support. As such, members of the makerspace have substantially improved their technical knowledge and skills. The training has been invaluable for the makerspace and has equipped them with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their funding efforts.
Makerspace Durban, South Africa
Makerspace Durban gained a new understanding of the funding landscape, opportunities and processes. With this knowledge, they unlocked the potential to secure a sustainable source of income for their makerspace. The skills and insights shared in the capacity building package provided valuable insights and showed them how to achieve success.
Gender Equality & Social Inclusion (GESI)
FabLab Winam, Kenya
Following the completion of the GESI package, they have sought further support from consultant Chiara Croci to assist female makers. Martin Oloo and Chiara are currently discussing the delivery of virtual training in additive manufacturing and 3D printing to women from the local community, to elevate female participation in makerspaces. Throughout the project's implementation, the focus was on placing women in management positions to enhance their visibility in the innovation space. This strategy has been yielding results. It is important for local women to see a woman in a role traditionally occupied by men, inspiring greater female participation.
The inclusion of a dedicated GESI project led by a female expert has been crucial. This year has shown broader participation with more female employees of makerspaces regularly joining meetings and community calls. By intentionally choosing female experts to lead various packages, the number of female staff actively engaging in training and community calls has increased.
Design and Technology Institute (DTI), Ghana
Each makerspace taking part developed a project to enhance GESI within their current activities. DTI launched a project titled 'Empowering Youth and Women in Affordable Housing Design', to equip those from the Ashaiman community with basic 3D modelling and design skills to create scale models of affordable housing structures and furniture. Youth participants focused on modelling and assembling, whilst the women engaged in community building initiative through a marketing scheme to promote affordable housing within their social circles.
Prior to this project, DTI had the intention but lacked the time & means to undertake such activities. Through this project, they successfully connected with a community they had long wanted to engage with, showing the importance of prioritising GESI. The training significantly enhanced the capabilities of makerspace managers to address gender-related challenges. During the sessions, it became evident that there were practices and actions unknown to makerspaces that would increase inclusivity. These sessions highlighted effective tools such as developing a code of conduct to make women and those from marginalised communities more likely to engage in makerspaces. These sessions received high praise from participants.
Additive Manufacturing
CONESAM Lagos (ASI), Nigeria
The training on additive manufacturing provided users with valuable skills and insights into the utility of 3D printing as a tool to enhance the design and prototyping of equipment. This technology enables faster design alterations which is crucial as it reduces the time and cost associated with testing and development. Furthermore, it facilitates the creation of design variants, leading to optimised processes and improved performance.
Participants were also introduced to collaborative and project management tools like Trello, Clip-Up and Excalidraw. Using these tools facilitated cross-learning and collaborative development of designs. Leaning on the knowledge and experience within the team resulted in quicker and more collaborative work, bringing various perspectives and insights into problem solving. The training leader, Professor Enrico, was both insightful and patient with the participants.
The training also covered the use of design tools and 3D printing, which are valuable assets to the makerspace’s skill set. This newfound knowledge and expertise have significantly improved their ability to innovate and streamline their development processes.
FabLab Winam, Kenya
Ten staff members and users at FabLab Winam were trained in 3D printing techniques, covering everything from designing and printing to maintenance of the equipment. They can now create unique designs per a clients request and operate the 3D printer more efficiently than ever before.
One of their staff members, Simba, participated in a children’s holiday bootcamp where he trained children on how to operate and use the 3D printer. After the training, the bootcamp host praised Simba’s skills, noting that the children thoroughly enjoyed his sessions. This feedback highlights the positive impact of the capacity-building package, as their staff are now sharing the skills they have learned to educate others.
Another staff member who is a graphic designer, Washington, can now print learning kits for STEM training under the CBC program. This improvement has been significant, as the staff can operate machines with minimal supervision and confidently share their skills with others. The makerspace also welcomed a hands-on expert in 3D printing, who the team were eager to learn from. With the support they received during the week-long training, they are confident in their ability to implement the techniques they were taught.
