Strategic Management: SWOT Analysis of the African Digital Fabrication Laboratories

FabLabs are spaces of innovation in which users find at their disposal manufacturing and prototyping machines, software, but especially a community of experts to help them realize their ideas. The FabLabs movement was initiated at MIT, it has become a global movement, which has spread all over the world. For the African continent, this movement presents a real opportunity for development with multiple impacts on the economy, education, the inclusion of youth and women, training and entrepreneurship. Several FabLabs have been created on the continent. The purpose of this study is to take stock of the situation of existing FabLabs and to make a strategic analysis of their operation thanks to the SWOT analysis. Information gathered by interview and questionnaires allowed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of these FabLabs. The qualitative analysis method was used to process the answers on the SWOT questions. This study can be used as a reference to help existing FabLabs better chart their strategy, give them a vision, and set more consistent goals for their actions. The results of the study can also be used by newcomers, organizations wishing to launch a FabLab in Africa.