The African Technology and Innovation Institutes (ATII) is set to host the inaugural African Industrial Forum (AIF)—a flagship initiative aimed at positioning the continent as a leader in smart manufacturing, automation, and artificial intelligence. Scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2025, the fully virtual event promises to be a pivotal moment for Africa’s ambitions to transition from industrial consumer to producer on the global stage.
Founded by Nigerian trailblazer Professor Rose‑Margaret Ekeng‑Itua—recognised as the world’s first Black woman to earn a PhD in Cybernetics—the AIF marks both the culmination of ATII’s groundwork and a clarion call for collective African industrial innovation.
A Forum with a Purpose
Under the banner “Africa’s Future: Shaping Global Industries Through Smart Manufacturing, Automation, and Artificial Intelligence”, the ATII forum is designed to deliver on five key objectives:
- Accelerate the adoption of AI and automation in manufacturing.
- Promote cross-sector collaboration, linking stakeholders from policy, academia, industry, and youth leadership.
- Empower young Africans through targeted training aligned with emerging industrial jobs.
- Mobilise investment into local technology-driven production ecosystems.
- Close workforce skills gaps, preparing a next-generation industrial workforce.
These goals serve as a strategic response to Africa’s manufacturing output—currently contributing around 10% to continental GDP—and a commitment to active engagement with initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), projected to unlock up to $450 billion in intra-African trade by 2035.
A Call to Action From Leadership
In the event’s official press statement, Professor Ekeng‑Itua issued a heartfelt appeal for unity and innovation across the continent:
“This is more than a forum—it’s Africa’s call to action… Through unity and innovation, we will build an industrial legacy defined by African ingenuity. The AIF Summit unites stakeholders to ensure we become industrial innovators by design, not default.”
She emphasised the importance of systemic coordination—linking educational pathways with employment opportunities, and aligning policy with practical outcomes—to empower youth as architects of Africa’s industrial renaissance.
Assembling a Dynamic Speaker Lineup
Reflecting the multifaceted vision of the forum, ATII has confirmed an impressive lineup of industry leaders and disruptive thinkers, including:
- Dr. Kelechi Onyekachi Ofoegbu, Executive Commissioner, Corporate Services & Administration, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission
- Dr. Akanimo Odon, Research Expert
- Ene Macharm, Head of Social Infrastructure & Energising Development (EnDev), GIZ GmbH
- Dr. Edem Wornyo, AI Agile Product Management Strategist
- John Kamara, Co‑Founder, Adanian Labs and noted tech entrepreneur
Their collective expertise spans AI, policy, digital acceleration, and investment strategy—embodying the interdisciplinary momentum AIF seeks to harness.
What to Expect at the Forum
Kicking off at 3:00 PM WAT via Zoom, the virtual event will unfold with a structured agenda:
- A keynote address on “Africa’s Industrial Renaissance”
- Expert panel discussions examining cross-sectoral integration
- Recognition of trailblazers in smart industrialisation across Africa
With free registration open, the event is accessible to innovators and practitioners across the continent, and beyond.
Collaboration at the Core
The AIF is supported by a network of strategic partners, including:
- Arthur Jarvis University
- Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
- Adanian Labs
- Cross River State Government
- Blue Seal
- Sabi Africa Network
These organisations play pivotal roles—providing academic foundations, entrepreneurial mentorship, regional governance support, and industry connections—to advance ATII’s mission.
Aligning Momentum and Opportunity
Africa has recently attracted unprecedented manufacturing investment; Nigeria alone saw a 67% increase in FDI, amounting to $1.59 billion in 2023 . Against this backdrop, the AIF seeks to maintain momentum by ensuring investments are complemented by local capacity development and digital readiness across the continent.
The forum is strategically timed to leverage synergies with global economic shifts, empowering African nations to assume leadership roles in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Why It Matters
- Economic resilience: Diversified industrial capacities will reduce dependence on imports and stimulate domestic employment.
- Youth inclusion: Aligning skills training with industrial demand empowers millions entering the labour market.
- Sustainability: Smart manufacturing and clean technologies support eco-friendly industrial expansion.
- Pan‑African integration: AfCFTA’s trade agenda demands interoperable, tech-enabled supply chains—and forums like AIF catalyse that infrastructure.
Connect, Learn, and Act
Participation is simple: visit ATII’s official page, register for the free event, and prepare to engage with a digital forum poised to redefine Africa’s manufacturing future.
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