Meet a few of the participants from 3D Africa’s pilot training sessions and learn how they’ve turned their 3D printing skills into new or expanded businesses.
Meet University Student; Emmanuel
Meet Women Entrepreneurs; Aisha and Maureen
Meet Entrepreneur; Maureen and Student; Precious
Entrepreneurs – Product to Market
YTF is working with Afoma, owner, Hair Wizard (Imo State, Nigeria), to design a 3D printed rechargeable, detachable, cordless hair dryer. Now, instead of traveling to China each year to purchase in bulk, she produces these in her shop, prints and customizes as needed, and sells to other cosmetologists.
Maureen, owner of Afrocentric Afrique (Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria), produces African-designed furniture, beads, bags, interior decorations, and fabrics. Customers include individuals, hotels, restaurants, and construction companies. YTF worked with her to create 3D printed jewelry designed and printed to customer specifications—adding new product lines and sources of revenue.
Tochukwu designed a reading stand targeted to make reading more attractive to university students in Nigeria. As a result of the support received from YTF, Tochukwu competed in the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Social Innovation Awards in Nairobi last year and has recently begun a 3D printing hub for entrepreneurs in Lagos.
Students – Inspiring STEM Learning and Creativity
15-year old Treasure is now very interested in pursuing a career in STEM. She enjoyed learning about human-centered design and 3D printing, is now designing and printing jewelry for her classmates and family, and is now starting to think about how to market these products to others in her community and sell them in online marketplaces.