Industrial prototyping in Africa is emerging, and a handful of entrepreneurs are pushing the continent toward agile, additive manufacturing.
Here are the top 5 African entrepreneurs driving industrial prototyping:
— Roy Ombatti (Kenya): Co‑founder of AB3D (African Born 3D Printing), Ombatti builds low-cost 3D printers out of electronic waste and locally available materials, enabling makers, schools, and small manufacturers to prototype affordably.
— Karl Heinz Tondo (Kenya / Cameroon): Co‑founder of AB3D alongside Ombatti, Tondo is a social innovator who helps drive their mission of community-driven, affordable prototyping.
— Chris Muraguri (Kenya): Founder of Micrive Infinite, Muraguri uses 3D printing for medical prototyping, producing patient-specific anatomical models to help surgeons plan operations more precisely, reducing cost and risk.
— Chukwubuikem Felix Amaefule (Nigeria): Founder & CEO of Generative CAD Services, Amaefule is democratizing product development through design, CAD, and rapid prototyping services, enabling startups and manufacturers to go from concept to prototype locally.
— Fatou “Juka” Darboe (Gambia): Co‑founder of Make 3D Company, Darboe is building local 3D printing capacity in Gambia, focusing on sustainable prototyping, local manufacturing, and training.
These entrepreneurs are building Africa’s prototyping future, bridging the gap between idea and product, and making rapid, cost-effective manufacturing accessible locally.
Entrepreneurs selected are active African innovators advancing industrial or product prototyping through 3D printing, based on measurable impact, proven innovation, and verifiable public activity as of 2025.
Image Credit: GEOMIO
