Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mbang Sama is an expert in Industry 4.0, digital technologies, and smart manufacturing. He is Founder and Executive President of the Digital Transformation Alliance (DTA), focusing on advancing digital solutions in industry. He’s also a founding expert of the Alliance for Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing in Africa (AISMA), an initiative launched by UNIDO.
1. How Industry 4.0 can help emerging countries, particularly in Africa, accelerate their industrialization journey, and can you provide an example of successful smart manufacturing initiative within the continent ?
Industry 4.0 represents a transformative opportunity for African nations to fast-track their industrialization journey. By leveraging technologies such as automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence, African industries can achieve greater efficiency, reduce costs, and overcome some of the traditional challenges associated with industrial development, such as high labor costs and limited access to skilled workers. More importantly, Industry 4.0 allows African businesses to leapfrog older, less efficient manufacturing techniques directly into advanced, smart manufacturing models. This gives them the ability to compete globally without needing to follow the same lengthy industrial development path as developed nations.
An excellent example of Industry 4.0 adoption is Twiga Foods in Kenya. Twiga Foods has revolutionized the supply chain for agricultural products by using a combination of mobile technology, data analytics, and IoT to connect farmers directly with vendors in urban markets. This system enables real-time tracking of food production, transportation, and demand. The platform optimizes logistics by using predictive analytics to reduce food waste and ensure just-in-time delivery, which enhances the efficiency of the entire supply chain. Twiga also leverages mobile payment systems to ensure faster transactions, promoting financial inclusion among smallholder farmers. By integrating these technologies, Twiga Foods has helped increase farmers’ incomes, reduce spoilage and losses, and ensure a more reliable supply of food products. This initiative shows how Industry 4.0 can transform traditional sectors like agriculture into more dynamic, efficient, and sustainable industries.
2. How the challenges of classical manufacturing systems can be overcome through Industry 4.0 considering key fundamental limitations in deployment of the Industry 4.0 technologies in Africa ?
Classical manufacturing systems in Africa often face several challenges, including low productivity, inefficient use of resources, limited access to advanced technologies, and a reliance on outdated machinery. Additionally, logistical issues, inconsistent power supply, and lack of skilled labor further hamper the efficiency and competitiveness of traditional manufacturing. The capital investment (initial costs) required to deploy and implement i4.0 technologies can be prohibitive for many African companies, particularly SMEs. Additionally, Smart manufacturing systems require stable and robust infrastructure to function effectively. Therefore, limited access to reliable electricity and high-speed internet are major barriers. The workforce often lacks the specialized skills needed to manage and operate Industry 4.0 technologies, creating a need for more training and education programs tailored to this sector. The workforce often lacks the specialized skills needed to manage and operate Industry 4.0 technologies, creating a need for more training and education programs tailored to this sector. Lastly, with increased digitalization comes the need for strong cybersecurity frameworks to protect sensitive data, an area that is still developing in many parts of Africa.
Strategies to overcome these limitations: First, Governments and private sectors can collaborate (Public-Private Partnerships) to build the necessary infrastructure and reduce the cost of technology adoption, making it more accessible for local industries. Second, innovative financing models are needed, for example leveraging models like leasing or technology-as-a-service can help companies access Industry 4.0 technologies without needing large upfront capital investments. Third, Governments and academic institutions should massively invest in vocational training programs focused on the skills required to operate Industry 4.0 systems, ensuring that the workforce is ready for this transformation.
3. What are the key areas where African nations need to invest in order to successfully adopt and implement Industry 4.0 technologies, and how can government policies, infrastructure, and education support this transformation?
To further elaborate, one of the most important investments African nations need to make is in stable power supplies and broadband connectivity. Without these, even the most advanced technologies cannot be effectively implemented. Governments need to prioritize energy reforms, investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which are abundant in many parts of Africa. Additionally, digital infrastructure is a crucial pillar for the success of Industry 4.0 technologies. In Africa, the development of this infrastructure is still uneven, with urban centers often better equipped than rural areas, where a lot of manufacturing and agriculture takes place. Without reliable and widespread digital infrastructure—such as high-speed internet, cloud computing, and smart grids—it becomes difficult for industries to adopt technologies like IoT, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, which are at the heart of smart manufacturing.
Investments in 5G technology, though costly, will enable the seamless connectivity required for Industry 4.0 applications. The role of government policies in promoting technology adoption and digital transformation is essential. African governments need to create incentive structures to encourage industries to adopt Industry 4.0 solutions. Tax breaks for tech adoption, grants for research and development, and subsidies for renewable energy can make it easier for companies to invest in these technologies. At the same time, regulatory frameworks around data privacy and cybersecurity should be strengthened to support the safe use of Industry 4.0 technologies.
In education, African educational institutions should begin integrating STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) curricula with Industry 4.0-focused courses, such as robotics, AI, and IoT. Collaboration between universities and industries should be promoted to ensure the academic research and talent pool align with the practical needs of African businesses. Technical training or dual programs for the current workforce can also help bridge the skills gap, allowing industries to benefit from new technologies without requiring a complete overhaul of the workforce.
Importantly, Industry 4.0 technologies should be adapted to local conditions rather than simply imported from developed economies. This means creating cost-effective solutions that can work within Africa’s unique industrial landscape. For instance, IoT devices designed for smart manufacturing in Africa might need to be more energy-efficient and capable of functioning in areas with limited or inconsistent internet connectivity. Innovations like edge computing can help reduce the need for constant internet access by processing data locally rather than relying on cloud connectivity.
