Nairobi, Kenya – Hailed as a 'wonder material' for its exceptional strength, lightness, and conductivity, graphene, a single-atom-thick sheet of carbon, is slowly making its way from research laboratories to potential industrial applications worldwide. While some international firms are beginning to harness its potential, the journey from 'lab to fab' remains complex, with Kenya's nascent advanced materials sector watching closely.

Graphene, extracted from common graphite used in pencils, boasts properties 200 times stronger than steel and five times lighter than aluminium, alongside superior heat and electrical conductivity. These characteristics position it as a game-changer for various sectors, including electronics, energy storage, construction, and healthcare.

Global Progress and Persistent Challenges

Globally, the graphene market is experiencing continuous growth, with an estimated value of USD 941.1 million in 2025 and projected to reach USD 8,329.9 million by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36.5% from 2025–2032. Asia Pacific, particularly China, dominates this market, driven by government support for research and development and rapid integration of graphene in electronics, automotive, and aerospace applications.

China, for instance, is actively exploring graphene to gain an edge in microchip production, aiming to replace traditional silicon-based chips with graphene alternatives that could offer significantly higher performance. Chinese scientists have made strides, with a joint Chinese-US research team reportedly synthesising a functional semiconductor from graphene in January 2024, a feat that could transform computer chips.

Despite the promise, the widespread commercialisation of graphene faces several challenges. High production costs, difficulty in achieving large-scale, consistent quality production, and the intricate process of integrating graphene into existing manufacturing systems are significant hurdles. The global installed capacity for graphene and graphene oxide exceeded 12,000 tonnes per year as of mid-2022, but utilisation remains low due to lagging demand.

Kenya's Emerging Interest in Advanced Materials

In Kenya, there is a growing recognition of the importance of advanced materials like graphene for industrialisation and economic transformation. The government, through initiatives like the Kenya National Innovation Agency (KeNIA), is working to develop a dynamic national innovation system to catalyse job and wealth creation.

Research into graphene and its applications is underway in Kenyan academic institutions. For example, researchers at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) have been involved in the synthesis and characterisation of graphene oxide and graphene nanomaterials for fuel cell applications, using eco-friendly methods. This research highlights a local capacity for foundational work in graphene science.

However, Kenya's research landscape is challenged by domestic austerity and dwindling international support, despite a legal mandate to allocate 2% of GDP to research. Much of the country's R&D funding, approximately KES 100 billion (US$97 billion), comes from international sources. Limited access to advanced research facilities and insufficient funding for R&D can hinder growth in the graphene sector.

Potential Applications and Economic Implications for Kenya

Graphene's unique properties could revolutionise various sectors crucial to Kenya's development agenda. In energy, graphene-enhanced batteries and supercapacitors could offer higher energy density and faster charging, supporting the adoption of electric vehicles and renewable energy solutions. Its application in composite materials could lead to lighter and stronger components for automotive and aerospace industries, aligning with Kenya's manufacturing ambitions.

Furthermore, graphene's use in sensors, water purification, and biomedicine presents opportunities for addressing critical societal needs. There is also potential for producing graphene from abundant local resources, such as palm oil waste, which is carbon-rich and could be converted into graphene through processes like pyrolysis and chemical vapor deposition.

Unanswered Questions and Next Steps

Key uncertainties remain regarding the timelines, costs, and safeguards for widespread graphene adoption in Kenya. While local research is promising, scaling up production and integrating graphene into existing industries will require substantial investment and a clear policy framework. The lack of standardised regulations for graphene and other nanomaterials also poses a challenge.

The 13th International Conference of the African Materials Research Society (AMRS 2026), scheduled for December 5-10, 2026, in Nairobi, will provide a platform for scientists and researchers to foster collaborations in materials science and technology, including nanotechnology. This event could be pivotal in shaping Kenya's strategy for engaging with advanced materials like graphene.

What to Watch

Stakeholders will be keenly observing government policies and investment in science, technology, and innovation, particularly how they translate into tangible support for advanced materials research and industrial application. The development of local production capabilities for high-quality graphene, potentially from indigenous resources, will be a critical indicator of progress. Additionally, collaborations between Kenyan universities, research institutions, and international partners will be essential for accelerating the 'lab to fab' transition.