3D Printers in Tanzania to be Developed with E-Waste, Thanks to Finnish Government

KAMPALA (Scrap Monster): The Finns are supporting a project in Tanzania aimed at spurring hardware development businesses starting this year, and the project implemented through Tanzania Science and Technology (TANZICT) is focusing on 3D printer development through an innovation hub based in Dar es Salaam.

Brian Paul Mnyampi, a co-manager at TANZICT, says the venture into hardware will create a revolution across the country and the region.

And perhaps the most interesting part of the project is a plan to make use of highly plentiful materials in the area.

TANZICT says easy access to bulk e-waste in Tanzania could mean that production costs will be reduced. They say innovators in what’s called Buni are gearing up to develop their 3D printer skills after some intensive training. Their plan? To make a commercial device with modern capabilities themselves.

A group called ‘Make Fellows’ meets weekly to take part in guided and mentored sessions on 3D printer technologies and other various other hardware concepts.

About three years ago, a study by the Cleaner Production Center (CPC) said that Tanzania will generate close to 9,500 metric tons of e-waste from computers alone, so the development team are certain they won’t run short of opportunity.

The Head of Cooperation at the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Tanzania, Kati Manner, is also pleased with the way the Finnish-funded projects are progressing, and says they’re critical to a three-year development strategy plan for Tanzania.

As 3D printing technology becomes less complex and expensive, projects are popping up around the globe aimed at exploring ways for the process to impact local economic development. Do you know about any such projects? Let us know in the 3D Printing Technology in Dar es Salaam forum threat at 3DPB.com.

Courtesy: http://3dprint.com