Nigerian innovation is rewriting the story of prosthetics with the unveiling of a revolutionary bionic arm set to transform lives across Africa and beyond.
For Gift Usen, a 25-year-old cosmetologist from Akwa Ibom born with only one fully developed hand, the invention signals a fresh beginning. Like many amputees in Nigeria, she has struggled with self-worth in a society where affordable, functional prosthetics are scarce.
An anaplastologist applies silicone gel to a prosthetic mold at Immortal Cosmetic Art laboratory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, August 16, 2025. REUTERS/Sodiq Adelakun
Ubokobong Amanam, 28, who lost a limb, attempts to shake hands using a flesh-like bionic arm, which he co-created with his brother John Amanam, 36, a former movie effects artist who creates custom prosthetics that match skin color, at their Immortal Cosmetic Art laboratory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Sodiq Adelakun
Imported limbs remain prohibitively expensive, leaving countless Nigerians without solutions. Rising to this challenge, Immortal Cosmetic Art, a homegrown prosthetics firm, has developed the Ubokobong Bionic Arm—a humanoid, hyper-realistic limb powered by electromyography signals that respond directly to brain activity. More than an aesthetic replica, it is a true fusion of art and science, available in Black skin tones to reflect African identity, an option rarely found on the global market.
Ubokobong Amanam, 28, who lost a limb, applies code to a bionic arm ready to be made an artificial arm, which he co-created with his brother, John Amanam, a former movie effects artist who creates custom prosthetics that match skin color, at their Immortal Cosmetic Art laboratory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Sodiq Adelakun
Prosthetic molds at Immortal Cosmetic Art laboratory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Sodiq Adelakun
Ubokobong Amanam, 28, who lost a limb, applies code to a bionic arm ready to be made into a prosthesis, which he co-created with his brother John Amanam, 36, a former movie effects artist who creates custom prosthetics that match skin color, at their Immortal Cosmetic Art laboratory in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria, August 15, 2025. REUTERS/Sodiq Adelakun
The story behind the arm is deeply personal. Six years ago, CEO John Amanam Sunday’s younger brother, Ubokobong, lost his fingers in a fireworks accident. Frustrated by the lack of prosthetics that matched his skin, Amanam, an artist, created lifelike replicas. With his brother’s technological expertise, they pushed further, investing three years of research to produce a fully functional bionic arm.
Though the official launch date remains unannounced, global anticipation is growing. Orders have already arrived from the United States, Britain, Australia, and Ghana. For Usen and many others, this invention embodies hope, dignity, and the triumph of African ingenuity.
