Elephab, a Nigerian-based startup aims to enhance local production in the country via 3D printed replacement parts. The company just closed its series A funding round, convincing by this way venture capital firm Beta Ventures to invest in its projects. Beta Ventures’ objective is to support Nigerian tech innovators.
As some companies such as Nigerian Foundries Limited, Anjola Badaru and Damilola Akinniyi, founders of Elephab, want products used in Africa to be manufactured on the continent. Badaru even declared: “We truly believe the future of manufacturing for products used in Africa is in Africa. We can’t keep importing parts from overseas and then wonder why our economy is struggling.”
He recognized that with 3D printers, it is possible to completely print parts by saving  time and money without altering the quality, durability and strength of the original parts.
GE’s Lagos Garage, a motivation for both founders
GE’s Lagos Garage which opened last year was the starting point of their 3D printing company. They learned there the potential of 3D printing and its capacities to produce new products.
”In demonstration of GE’s commitment to skills development on the continent, the GE Garage program was conceived to produce a new wave of African innovators and entrepreneurs, by equipping them with modern technologies and business development skills,” explained Patricia Obozuwu, director of communications and public affairs for GE Africa. “It is a springboard for Africans to compete in the fast-evolving work environment of the future.”
These funds will enable the startup to further develop its client offering as well as its 3D printing capabilities.
Regarding their investment in Elephab, Ike Eze, a co-founder of Beta Ventures, said: “When you remove power and access to raw materials as barriers to entry, suddenly manufacturing in Africa looks attractive to investors.”
We can’t wait to appreciate the achievements of Elephab to whom we wish a lot of success. Â
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