Nigeria’s leading advanced manufacturing and asset integrity solutions provider, RusselSmith, has confirmed discussions with the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) on introducing its 3D manufacturing capabilities to Ghana’s maritime sector, signalling growing regional interest in Nigeria’s emerging industrial innovation ecosystem.
The potential partnership, facilitated by the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), is expected to support the deployment of advanced manufacturing solutions that could modernise maritime operations while strengthening local production capacity across West Africa.
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During a courtesy visit to the Ghana Maritime Authority, Kayode Adeleke, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of RusselSmith, highlighted the significant gap in Africa’s participation in the global 3D manufacturing market.
According to Adeleke, while the global 3D manufacturing market was valued at about $32 billion in 2024, Africa accounts for only around two per cent of that market, presenting both a challenge and a major opportunity for the continent’s industrial growth.
To address the gap, RusselSmith is preparing to commission Omnifactory, Nigeria’s first multi-technology industrial 3D manufacturing facility, in Lagos. The company also plans to launch a flagship Mega Omnifactory facility later this year, further strengthening Nigeria’s position as a regional hub for advanced manufacturing.
The facilities are designed to enable local production of complex industrial components across sectors including maritime, defence, oil and gas, and aerospace—reducing reliance on imported specialised parts while cutting costs and delivery timelines.
Speaking on the company’s regional ambitions, Adeleke said the growing interest from other African countries reflects the strategic importance of developing local manufacturing capacity.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
One of the practical applications of RusselSmith’s technology is large-format additive manufacturing for maritime vessels, capable of producing boats of up to 12 metres in length. The technology offers a faster and more sustainable alternative to conventional boat construction, which often involves long production timelines and high maintenance costs for operators across West Africa.
Commenting on the proposal, Kamal-Deen Ali, Director-General of the Ghana Maritime Authority, said the initiative aligns with Ghana’s ambition to position itself as a leading Blue Nation, with a focus on maritime safety, environmental sustainability, and modern transport infrastructure.
RusselSmith currently delivers advanced manufacturing and asset integrity solutions across oil and gas, defence, aerospace, and maritime sectors, supported by ISO-certified operations and partnerships with global technology providers.
With supply chain disruptions continuing to affect industries worldwide, the ability to manufacture critical components locally is increasingly viewed as a strategic advantage. RusselSmith’s model—combining local expertise with advanced technology—offers a pathway for building industrial resilience while creating sustainable economic value across Africa.
Discussions between RusselSmith and the Ghana Maritime Authority are ongoing, with both parties expressing interest in developing a partnership that could serve as a model for regional industrial collaboration in advanced manufacturing.
