The African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII) participated in the 54th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), held from 5 to 7 October 2026 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The AGM, themed “Leveraging National Industrial Policy to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Industrial Hub,” brought together manufacturers, industry leaders, and other stakeholders to discuss Nigeria’s industrial development.
On Wednesday, 7 October, Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of ATII, participated in a panel discussion titled “Smart & Additive Manufacturing: The Key to Closing the Industrial Skills Gap.” She joined Mr. Kayode Adeleke, Group Chief Executive Officer of Arridex, and Engr. Uzor Onyia, Ph.D., MNSE, MNICE, Founder and Executive Director of the Society for Creativity and Innovative Development (SCID).
The discussion explored the role of smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and emerging technologies in strengthening Nigeria’s manufacturing sector and addressing the industrial skills gap.
Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4.0
During the discussion, Prof. Rose-Margaret shared insights into how emerging technologies can help manufacturers improve their operations and address existing production challenges.
Smart manufacturing involves using digital technologies to monitor and improve manufacturing processes. These technologies can help manufacturers understand how their equipment performs, identify potential faults, and reduce production waste.
Rather than replacing entire systems, manufacturers may be able to integrate digital tools into existing machinery, depending on their equipment and operational needs. This provides opportunities to explore technology-driven improvements while making practical use of existing infrastructure.
The discussion highlighted the importance of considering how technology can be applied to address specific challenges within manufacturing operations.
Additive Manufacturing and 3D Printing
Prof. Rose-Margaret also discussed additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, and its potential applications in industry.
Additive manufacturing involves creating objects by building them layer by layer from a digital design. The technology can support the production of certain components, prototypes, and replacement parts, depending on the materials, design, and production requirements.
For manufacturers, this presents opportunities to explore alternative production methods and address challenges associated with sourcing or producing specific components.
The application of 3D printing in manufacturing also highlights the importance of developing the technical knowledge and practical skills required to work with emerging production technologies.
Building Digital Skills and Supporting Industrial Growth
As manufacturing processes continue to evolve, workers need relevant technical knowledge and digital skills to adapt to changing industry demands.
The discussion highlighted the connection between technological advancement and workforce development. Adopting new technologies requires people who understand how to operate, manage, and apply them effectively within industrial settings.
Collaboration among industry, academic institutions, and government also remains important in connecting technology adoption with skills development and Nigeria’s wider industrial objectives.
Addressing the industrial skills gap therefore involves not only introducing new technologies but also developing the human capacity needed to use them effectively.
Supporting Nigeria’s Manufacturing Future
The panel discussion contributed to conversations on how smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and workforce development can support Nigeria’s industrial growth.
For ATII, these areas connect with its broader work in technology research and development, technology deployment, consultancy, and capacity and workforce development. Through these activities, ATII works to connect technology innovation with practical industrial needs and support the development of skills required to address Africa’s industrial challenges.
The session at the 54th MAN AGM provided an opportunity to examine the relationship between emerging technologies, industrial skills, and the future of manufacturing in Nigeria.
Recognition for Participation
In recognition of her participation as a panellist at the 54th MAN AGM, Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua, Ph.D., received an Appreciation Award from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), acknowledging her contribution to the discussion on smart and additive manufacturing.
Watch the full panel discussion featuring Prof. Rose-Margaret Ekeng-Itua and the other panellists as they explore smart manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and the industrial skills gap at the 54th MAN AGM.
Watch the full panel discussion on YouTube