GE, in partnership with the Dangote Foundation and Points of Light, recently in Nigeria launched the first global installation of GE’s Garages program – an innovation and manufacturing centre where aspiring makers and entrepreneurs can go to develop new skills and learn about advanced manufacturing technologies.
Garages Nigeria will run from 23 June to 11 July at GE’s regional headquarters in Lagos, and will feature curated speakers sessions and workshops amidst a fully equipped fab lab. Participants can work with technical experts and use advanced hardware and software to bring their ideas to life, using equipment like CNC mills, laser cutters, 3D printers, and electrical engineering kits to quickly and collaboratively create new parts and prototypes.
In partnership with the Dangote Foundation and other local partners, Garages Nigeria will expand into a program dedicated to training skilled entrepreneurs, employable workers and creating employment opportunities amongst service suppliers within the growing Power Generation sector. With the help of GE Foundation partner Points of Light, GE will activate its 400+ employees in Nigeria, as well as the global African Affinity Forum within GE, to create a network of mentors, coaches and teachers for program participants.
GE’s Global Supply Chain Leader for Africa Phil Griffith said, “We are glad that GE and Dangote Foundation are working on an initiative that will equip Nigerians with the skills that are crucial in the development of the Power Generation sector – and make Nigerians more employable in a fast changing technology-driven world.” He added that though the first phase will focus on the Power Generation sector, the program is likely to expand to serve other core industries such as healthcare and telecommunications.
Director of Dangote Foundation Adiahmbo Odaga said, “I am delighted to work with GE to set up a learning environment that is different from the traditional classroom. This program is unique in that it is focused in both the classroom, as well as in the real-world – providing hands-on training in advanced manufacturing and production technology.”
Odaga added, “The Dangote Foundation is committed to touching the lives of Nigerians through programs focused on health, education and empowerment. As a significant stakeholder within the Nigerian private sector, Dangote will help produce and maintain the program and will collaborate on curriculum development for entrepreneurial and non-skilled participants.”
With more than 400 employees in Nigeria and 1800 employees across 35 countries in the Africa region, GE is committed to supporting economic growth in Africa and driving both awareness and education on entrepreneurship via technology, hardware and software innovations in the industry.
GE created the Garages experience in 2012 to reinvigorate interest in invention, innovation and manufacturing. Building on past successes in New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C., the global expansion of Garages will foster a culture of collaboration in each market, across GE, and makers and entrepreneurs around the world.
