{ "background": "Manufacturing systems in developing economies face unique operational and infrastructural challenges that elevate systemic risk. A rigorous methodological framework for quantifying and mitigating these risks within the West African context is notably absent in the engineering literature.", "purpose and objectives": "This study aims to develop and apply a multilevel regression methodology to evaluate systemic performance and quantify risk reduction in manufacturing plants. The primary objective is to identify the most influential operational and organisational factors affecting production reliability.", "methodology": "A stratified sample of manufacturing plants was surveyed. The analysis employed a two-level hierarchical linear model, with plant-level outcomes nested within industrial sectors. The core model is specified as $Y{ij} = \\beta{0j} + \\beta{1}X{ij} + \\epsilon{ij}$, where $\\beta{0j} = \\gamma{00} + \\gamma{01}Zj + u{0j}$. Estimation used restricted maximum likelihood with robust standard errors to account for heteroscedasticity.", "findings": "The multilevel analysis revealed that procedural standardisation at the shop-floor level explained approximately 32% of the variance in risk reduction outcomes. A significant positive coefficient ($\\beta = 0.45$, 95% CI [0.28, 0.62]) was found for integrated maintenance protocols, indicating its strong protective effect against systemic failures.", "conclusion": "The methodological approach confirms that risk is hierarchically structured within manufacturing systems. Interventions targeting mid-level managerial and procedural factors yield the most significant improvements in systemic resilience.", "recommendations": "Plant managers should prioritise investment in standardised operational procedures and predictive maintenance integration. Policymakers are advised to support sector-wide benchmarking initiatives based on the identified key performance indicators.", "key words": "systemic risk, hierarchical linear model, industrial engineering, operational resilience, developing economy", "contribution statement": "This paper provides a novel application of multilevel modelling to decompose and quantify risk in African manufacturing systems, offering a replic