Chukwubuikem Felix Amaefule is the founder and CEO of Generative CAD Services Limited, a leading product development and digital manufacturing company in Africa, currently based in Nigeria.Generative CAD Services Limited recently partnered with Flashforge 3D Printer on an initiative called Light of Africa Dream, which focuses on promoting 3D printing through education and empowering the continent.In this interview, Felix provides insight into the initiative and their partnership with Flashforge 3D Printer.
Tell us about Generative CAD Services Limited and its work in 3D printing? Generative CAD Services Limited is a leading customer-centric product development company specializing in on-demand hardware solutions.With deep expertise in consumer electronics, hardware hi-tech, digital manufacturing, medtech, agri-tech, energy, construction, and mining industries, we are dedicated to providing hassle-free and impactful products and services.We offer product development technology solutions—including hardware, software, tech support, consultancy, and training—to companies throughout their product development cycle, from idea to market.
To help us continuously advance our mission, we are Dassault Systèmes and Autodesk Business Partners and Learning Program Partners, offering engineering software sales, tech support, and advanced industry design skills, as well as role-based training in product design, product development, design for manufacturing, SolidWorks 3D CAD, AutoCAD, SolidWorks Simulation, Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks Visualize, Autodesk Fusion, Revit, and more.We are also Flashforge Business Partners, providing 3D printer sales, tech support, 3D printing training, and design-for-additive-manufacturing services.Additionally, we collaborate with numerous local and international companies and institutions, supporting them with technology solutions and technical capacity.
We take pride in playing a pivotal role in advancing democratized manufacturing in Africa.In the field of 3D printing, Generative CAD Services Limited serves as a key technology partner and service provider by: Providing 3D printing equipment: Through exclusive partnerships with Flashforge, we distribute and support advanced 3D printers—such as the Flashforge Adventurer 5M and 5M Pro, Guider 3 Ultra, Creator 4, and more—across West Africa.Offering technical support and training: We deliver comprehensive technical assistance and hands-on training to ensure that users, from educators to industrial professionals, can effectively integrate 3D printing into their learning, design, and production processes.
Driving digital manufacturing innovation: By leveraging our proprietary digital platform, CraftForge—a B2B MaaS and e-commerce platform—we enable on-demand manufacturing services, rapid prototyping, localized production, and e-commerce product sales.These capabilities are critical in reducing reliance on imports and fostering homegrown innovation.Our multi-faceted approach underscores our commitment to bridging the gap between theoretical design education and real-world manufacturing challenges, positioning Generative CAD Services Limited as a catalyst for industrial transformation in the region.
Generative CAD Services Limited partnered with Flashforge on the Light of Africa Dream initiative.Can you explain the goals of this initiative and how the project is being applied? Generative CAD Services Limited and Flashforge 3D Printer Donation event Generative CAD Services Limited partnered with Flashforge to launch the “Light of Africa Dream” initiative, a transformative project designed to enhance educational practices through the adoption of 3D printing technology.Key aspects of the initiative include: Donation of modern 3D printers: The project provided Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro and 5M printers to primary schools in Ifako-Ijaye, Lagos.
These devices go beyond traditional teaching aids by introducing interactive, three-dimensional learning experiences.Comprehensive teacher training: To ensure effective integration of 3D printing into classroom instruction, teachers received specialized training.This empowers educators to create tangible models and lesson aids, enhancing the overall learning environment.
Hands-on learning and innovation: By allowing students to engage directly with cutting-edge technology, the initiative fosters creativity, problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of STEAM subjects.Practical applications range from designing anatomical models to recreating art pieces for immersive learning and innovation.The initiative is not only an educational intervention but also a strategic step toward reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported technologies.
By cultivating local expertise and innovative capacity, it helps prepare the workforce of the future.Do you plan to expand the impact of the Light of Africa Dream initiative across the African continent with your partner Flashforge? If so, how do you intend to implement this expansion? Generative CAD Services Limited, in collaboration with Flashforge, envisions a broad expansion of the Light of Africa Dream initiative to reach a larger segment of the continent.Our expansion strategy includes: Scaling through strategic partnerships: We are forging relationships with regional educational institutions, government agencies, and industry bodies.
These collaborations will help establish new 3D printing hubs and innovation centers across various African countries.Developing regional training programs: The initiative will introduce comprehensive training programs for educators and technical staff, equipping them with the skills needed to operate advanced 3D printing technology effectively.Supporting local innovation ecosystems: Through mentorship, funding opportunities, and technical expertise, the expansion aims to empower startups and local businesses to adopt and innovate with 3D printing.
Policy advocacy and government engagement: By working closely with government bodies to create favorable policies, we aim to ensure sustainable growth and integrate 3D printing into modern education and industry.These strategic pillars will help establish a pan-African network of digital manufacturing centers, fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance that drives economic growth and technological progress across the continent.How have the government and local communities responded to the Light of Africa Dream initiative? The government and local communities have responded positively to the Light of Africa Dream initiative.
Key observations include: Educational sector endorsement: Schools and educational authorities recognize the initiative as a significant step toward modernizing the curriculum.By integrating 3D printing technology, educators gain new tools to engage students and enhance their practical understanding of complex concepts.Government collaboration: Local and state government agencies have expressed strong interest in supporting the project.
The partnership with organizations such as the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) in Lagos reflects the government’s recognition of the initiative’s potential to improve learning, drive local innovation, and reduce reliance on imports.Community and industry enthusiasm: Feedback from teachers and local stakeholders has been overwhelmingly positive.Educators at African Church Primary School and First African Church Mission Primary School have highlighted the transformative impact of 3D printing in the classroom, noting that the technology makes abstract concepts more accessible and tangible.
The enthusiastic response from both government and local communities reinforces the initiative’s alignment with broader national goals of educational reform and economic empowerment.Can you discuss the importance of empowering education through 3D printing, particularly within the African context and in alignment with the Light of Africa Dream initiative? Empowering education through 3D printing is critically important for the African continent for several reasons: Bridging the educational gap: Traditional education in many African countries is largely theory-based.Integrating 3D printing introduces a practical, hands-on approach that helps students apply theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios.
Stimulating innovation and creativity: Early exposure to advanced manufacturing technology sparks curiosity and innovation.By learning to design and create tangible models, students develop problem-solving skills and gain the ability to create localized solutions.Enhancing employability: Practical skills in digital manufacturing and 3D design are in high demand in today’s job market.
Equipping students with these competencies improves job readiness and helps bridge the gap between academic education and industry needs.Promoting local manufacturing: A significant portion of engineering products in Nigeria and across Africa are imported.3D printing education empowers students to become future innovators and entrepreneurs who can drive local production, fostering economic self-reliance and sustainable development.
Supporting economic growth and social equity: By transforming educational practices and boosting local innovation, the initiative contributes to broader economic growth while promoting social equity through greater access to technology and knowledge.Empowering education through 3D printing is a key step in building a future-ready workforce and fostering an innovation-driven economy across Africa.3D Printed products by Generative CAD Services Limited How can other African 3D printing service providers get involved in the Light of Africa Dream initiative? Generative CAD Services Limited and Flashforge invite other African 3D printing service providers to join the “Light of Africa Dream” initiative.
There are several ways for interested providers to participate: Technology and Infrastructure Collaboration: Providers can contribute by sharing 3D printing equipment, and technical expertise, or establishing localized 3d printing educational and manufacturing hubs.This collaborative approach will help expand the reach of the initiative.Capacity Building and Training: Service providers can partner in offering training sessions and workshops for educators, students, and local entrepreneurs.
This knowledge-sharing will help ensure that the technology is used effectively and sustainably.Joint Research and Innovation Projects: Collaborating on research initiatives and innovation challenges can lead to the development of new applications and products tailored to local needs.Advocacy and Networking: Joining regional networks to advocate for supportive policies and share best practices will help strengthen the ecosystem of digital manufacturing across Africa.
Sponsorship and Funding: Financial contributions or in-kind support from established 3D printing service providers can help scale the initiative, making advanced technology more accessible to underserved communities.Through these collaborative efforts, the initiative can extend its positive impact to thousands more students and educators, further driving the development of a robust, self-sufficient digital manufacturing landscape across Africa. Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
