Kodjo Afate Gnikou of Togo built a functional 3D printer out of electronic waste and discarded parts for $100, crowdfunded with just $4,000. He wants to inspire young Africans to create, saying “My dream is to give young people hope and to show that Africa, too, has its place on the global market when it comes to technology. We are able to create things. Why is Africa always lagging behind when it comes to technology?”
Afate’s 3-D printer, called the W.Afate (The W is for Woelab), is a home-brewed replica of the Prusal Mendel, a popular printer in the United States and Europe. Only, instead of using parts purchased in stores, the W.Afate can be constructed from discarded electronic waste.