Siemens Stiftung committed itself to building locally driven, globally connected communities of social entrepreneurs and supportive infrastructure across Africa that may also serve as a delivery platform for Siemens Stiftung’s key programs in the region. One of the key programs developed is the Makerspace initiative.

What is a Makerspace?

A makerspace is a 21st-century digitally-connected community workshop and lab open to entrepreneurs and people in general who are interested in learning, designing and making together in a collaborative environment. Typical equipment ranges from low- to high-tech, but spans 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines (e.g. routers, mills, lathes), sewing machines, soldering irons and electronics tool kits. Makerspaces help people gain skills through learning-by-doing: using CAD/CAM software to apply 3D modelling, 3D printing, coding, robotics, carpentry, metalwork and other tools for rapid prototyping of physical objects and hardware. Makerspaces complement Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) fields and support entrepreneurship through new product development.