Smart manufacturing, reliable electricity key to Africa’s industrial competitiveness

Experts have identified predictive maintenance, asset management, reliable electricity, clean energy technologies, and smart manufacturing as critical pillars for building competitive industries in Nigeria and across Africa can build competitive industries in the decades ahead.

Speaking at the inaugural Reliability Africa International Exhibition, Conference, and Workshop in Lagos, Saheed Kareem, an engineering professional at NestleNigeria Plc, said industries can lower production costs and improve competitiveness by adopting energy efficient technologies.

“The more we are able to produce equipment or our processes with less energy consumption the better for us because it will finally aid our cost of production,” Kareem said.

He explained that technologies such as predictive maintenance, industrial sensors and real time monitoring systems help manufacturers reduce downtime, improve productivity and make faster decisions based on accurate data.

Read also: Reliability Africa 2026 targets industrial efficiency, sustainable energy solutions

He also highlighted the potential of technology to address food losses across agricultural supply chains through improved cold storage and logistics systems.

Abba Aliyu, MD/CEO of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), stated that Nigeria’s electricity challenge remains urgent despite global clean energy progress.

“Our mandate is to provide electricity to Nigerians without access and improve reliability for underserved communities,” Aliyu said, noting that while renewable energy now attracts $1.7 trillion globally, Nigeria still generates only 4,500-5,200MW, leaving about 85 million Nigerians without electricity.

“We are planning over 1,000 mini-grid projects across Nigeria, one of the most ambitious electrification programmes in the country’s history,” he added.

The event, organised by Vethan Concept Limited, brought together policymakers, engineers, manufacturers, investors, and technology experts to discuss how clean energy, artificial intelligence, and industrial automation can drive economic growth while addressing some of Africa’s biggest development challenges.

The central theme of the conference was the urgent need to expand electricity access and improve reliability as industries grapple with high energy costs, unstable power supply, and rising operational expenses.

Chika Yinka Banjo, artificial intelligence and robotics expert, said Africa must embrace emerging technologies while adapting them to local realities.

Read also: Nigeria must link digital transformation to industrial growth

Banjo noted that artificial intelligence, industrial internet systems and data analytics are already transforming sectors ranging from manufacturing to financial services across the continent.

“Workforce training is non-negotiable. Technology alone is insufficient,” he said.

Banjo stressed that Africa’s greatest strength remains its young population and called for stronger collaboration between government, universities and industry to equip graduates with practical skills required by modern workplaces.

He also urged policymakers to invest in digital infrastructure, data systems and innovation hubs capable of supporting long term industrial growth.

Among the many exhibitors at RReliability Africa, Steve Horsley, representing Dinteco Group, showcased their lightning protection technology, designed to protect critical infrastructure, assets, and personnel from the growing threat of lightning strikes across Africa.

“Our technology helps industries protect both assets and people while improving operational safety,” Horsley said.

Manqoba Mduba, electrical engineer from Doble Engineering, South African regional office, showcased advanced testing and diagnostic solutions for the power and electrical sector.

Mduba highlighted their commitment to supporting asset reliability and operational efficiency across Africa.

“Our solutions are designed to help industries improve asset performance, reliability, and safety through advanced testing and diagnostics,” he said.

Another exhibitor, Universal Automation, showcased its engineering and automation solutions for the oil and gas industry. The Nigeria-based company highlighted its expertise in instrumentation, electrical systems, procurement, operations, maintenance, commissioning, and installation, reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable industrial solutions.

“Our focus is on providing end-to-end engineering and automation solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and reliability across operations,” he said.

Speaking on the vision behind RReliability Africa, Osazuwa Osasogie, exhibition director and managing director of Vethan Concept Limited, said the gathering reflected Africa’s growing ambition to become a center for engineering excellence and technological innovation.

Experts stated that as industries face mounting pressure to cut costs, improve efficiency and remain competitive, a combination of reliable electricity, advanced technologies and skilled workers could become the foundation of Africa’s next industrial revolution.