Supporting African Food and Packaging Industry in adopting Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in operations

The Alliance for I4.0 and Smart Manufacturing in Africa (AISMA), supported by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDOis launching a call for expression of interest to select a pilot number of enterprises operating in the food and packaging industry in Africa to benefit from Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in their operations.

The aim of this initiative is to demonstrate how IIoT technology can revolutionize manufacturing operations, drive efficiency, and enhance competitiveness in African enterprises and industries.

While the selected enterprises will be supported cost-free for accessing the platform and participating in this initiative, they will be invited to cover the costs for hosting of the experts (i.e. lodging/hotel; estimated 2 experts during max 2 days).

What’s in it for you?

The selected enterprise will enjoy the following:

  • Access to the IIoT platform (hardware & software) for a 6 months period.
  • Tailored guidance and support on implementing IIoT in your operations.
  • Insights into how IIoT can help you optimize production, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency.
  • Networking opportunities with other industry leaders and experts in smart manufacturing.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, your factory must:

  1. Be headquartered in Africa and operate in the food and packaging industry.
  2. Have a willingness and the capacity to adopt and experiment with Industry 4.0 IoT technologies.

Five factories will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Impact Potential: The ability to demonstrate tangible benefits of adopting Industry 4.0 technologies.
  • Readiness: A clear demonstration of infrastructure, technical expertise, and willingness to implement IIoT solutions.
  • Scalability: The potential to scale up Industry 4.0 solutions across other operations or facilities.
  • Geographic and Sectoral Representation: Ensuring diversity across African regions and food and packaging industry sub-sectors.

How to apply ?

To express your interest in participating in this initiative, you will be asked to provide the following information:

  • Factory Overview: A brief description of your factory, including its operations, location, and sub-sector(s) within the food and packaging industry.
  • Current Challenges: A summary of the main challenges in your production processes that you aim to address through IIoT adoption.
  • Adoption Interest: A statement explaining your interest in adopting Industry 4.0 solutions and the expected added value for your factory (e.g., production efficiency, reduced downtime, improved competitiveness).
  • Scalability Potential: An indication of how you plan to scale Industry 4.0 solutions, for example the total number of production lines in the factory where the solution could be applied in the future.
  • Diversity Considerations: Information highlighting any unique geographic or sectoral characteristics relevant to your operations.
  • Contact Details: Company name, country, sub-sector(s), contact name, contact position, contact email, and contact phone number.

Deadline for Submission

All applications must be received by 16 February 2025.

Join us in leading the way to smarter, more efficient food production in Africa!