ADVERTISEMENT
TechEconomy
Friday, May 9, 2025
No Result
View All Result
Advertisement
  • News
  • Tech
    • DisruptiveTECH
    • ConsumerTech
      • Accessories
      • Phones
      • Laptop
      • Gadgets and Appliances
      • Apps
    • How To
    • TechTAINMENT
  • Business
    • Telecoms
      • Broadband
    • Mobility
    • Environment
    • Travel
    • Commerce
    • StartUPs
    • TE Insights
    • Security
  • Partners
  • Economy
    • Finance
    • Fintech
    • Digital Assets
    • Personal Finance
    • Insurance
  • Features
    • IndustryINFLUENCERS
    • Guest Writer
    • Appointment
    • EventDIARY
    • Editorial
  • Apply
  • TecheconomyTV
  • Techeconomy Events
  • BusinesSENSE For SMEs
  • TBS
  • News
  • Tech
    • DisruptiveTECH
    • ConsumerTech
      • Accessories
      • Phones
      • Laptop
      • Gadgets and Appliances
      • Apps
    • How To
    • TechTAINMENT
  • Business
    • Telecoms
      • Broadband
    • Mobility
    • Environment
    • Travel
    • Commerce
    • StartUPs
    • TE Insights
    • Security
  • Partners
  • Economy
    • Finance
    • Fintech
    • Digital Assets
    • Personal Finance
    • Insurance
  • Features
    • IndustryINFLUENCERS
    • Guest Writer
    • Appointment
    • EventDIARY
    • Editorial
  • Apply
  • TecheconomyTV
  • Techeconomy Events
  • BusinesSENSE For SMEs
  • TBS
No Result
View All Result
Tech | Business | Economy
No Result
View All Result
Podcast

Home » AfriTECH 4.0: Experts Highlight How Blockchain, AI, eCommerce Can Grow Africa’s GDP

AfriTECH 4.0: Experts Highlight How Blockchain, AI, eCommerce Can Grow Africa’s GDP

Joan Aimuengheuwa by Joan Aimuengheuwa
November 18, 2024
in News
0
AfriTECh 4.0 Lead photo
L-r: Lovelyn Okafor, country head, Newmark Group; Biram Fall, Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa; Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener, AfriTECH & ATAEx Awards; Mrs. Ebehijie Momoh, CEO, AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited; Dr. Akeem Ajisafe, CEO of Transblue Limited, and Peter Oluka, co-convener of AfriTECH & ATAEx Awards.

L-r: Lovelyn Okafor, country head, Newmark Group; Biram Fall, Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa; Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener, AfriTECH & ATAEx Awards; Mrs. Ebehijie Momoh, CEO, AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited; Dr. Akeem Ajisafe, CEO of Transblue Limited, and Peter Oluka, co-convener of AfriTECH & ATAEx Awards.

RelatedPosts

Gov Mbah Commissions NITDA South East Regional Office in Enugu

Gov Mbah Commissions NITDA South East Regional Office in Enugu

May 8, 2025

SPPG Students Help Youths Develop Digital Skills, Financial Literacy

May 8, 2025

Technology experts at the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0) held in Lagos State-Nigeria, recently, highlighted the transformative potential of blockchain and AI in positioning Africa as a global technology leader.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, the director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in his keynote address, titled “Blockchain Technology & AI: Positioning Africa for the Future,” emphasized Africa’s unique position to leverage these technologies for economic and social development.

Attendees
United BANK
AfriTECH 4.0 participants

With mobile penetration at about 80% and a rapidly growing youth population, Africa, he noted, is fertile ground for digital transformation, noting that Blockchain and AI offer unparalleled opportunities to propel Africa into the future as a leader in the global digital economy.

“Both blockchain and artificial intelligence are powerful technologies that offer Africa unprecedented opportunities. By strategically integrating these technologies, we can propel Africa forward as a dynamic leader in the global digital economy,” he said.

NITDA
Mrs. Rita Shoremi, Head, Startup Innovations and IT solutions, NITDA, South West Zone

 

Abdullahi who was represented at the event by Mrs. Rita Shoremi, Head, Startup Innovations and IT solutions, NITDA, South West Zone, outlined the potential of blockchain to address challenges in financial inclusion, governance, and property rights across the continent arguing that with over 57% of Africans unbanked, blockchain can extend financial services to underserved regions, adding an estimated $300 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025.

“Africa stands at a unique juncture. Our continent has seen remarkable digital growth, with mobile phone penetration reaching 80% across sub-Saharan Africa according to a World Bank, 2022 report.

“Africa is also home to one of the world’s fastest-growing youth populations, over 60% of whom are under the age of 25 by a UN Population Data of 2022. These dynamics offer a fertile ground for digital transformation, and emerging technologies like blockchain and AI have the potential to redefine key sectors that fuel Africa’s economy,” Abdullahi stated.

AfriTECH 4.0 participants
AfriTECH 4.0 participants

To fully capitalize on blockchain and AI, Abdullahi emphasized the need for supportive policies, strategic partnerships, and youth empowerment and noted that NITDA’s eight-pillar strategy aligns with Nigeria’s goals for digital literacy, infrastructure access, and global research collaboration, with a goal of achieving 70% digital literacy by 2027.

In his presentation titled “Navigating The Future of Technology In Africa: The Intersection of AI, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and Cybersecurity,” Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, the chief visionary officer, Digital Encode Limited, examined adoption trends, industry impact, and the key challenges across these technologies.

Digital Encode at AfriTECH 4.0
Oluwakayode Olatunji, CISO and Group Head of Information Security at Digital Encode Limited

Taking an overview of Emerging Technologies in Africa, Obadare who was represented by Oluwakayode Olatunji, CISO and Group Head of Information Security at Digital Encode Limited stated that Africa’s digital transformation is accelerating in key sectors like fintech, healthtech, and agritech that are adopting cutting-edge technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cryptocurrencies.

According to him, whereas mobile penetration, cloud computing, and increasing internet access are driving the growth of these technologies, these innovations come with risks and threats associated with cyberattacks, fraud, and data breaches and cautioned that a robust cybersecurity framework is crucial for sustainable digital transformation.

On his part, Mr. Biram Fall, the Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa, said that with over 350 million unbanked adults, there is a significant potential of financial inclusion and digital solutions for Africa, and a vast opportunity to expand access to financial security, event through electronic commerce (eCommerce).

Speaking as a lead presenter at the AfriTECH 4.0, Mr Fall stated that financial inclusion transforms lives by providing essential financial tools like savings accounts, credit, and insurance, which foster economic independence.

QNET at AfriTECH 4.0
Biram Fall, the Regional General Manager, QNET Sub-Saharan Africa

Highlighting the importance of the Forum’s theme, “Harnessing Fintech Solutions for Financial Inclusion & eCommerce Growth,” he said”: “The demand for financial inclusion aligns with a projected $75 billion e-commerce market in Africa by 2025, driven by rising internet access and smartphone adoption. However, limited banking infrastructure and high cash dependency hinder digital engagement,” he said.

United BANK

He disclosed that QNET’s initiatives, such as its “Fit Green” financial literacy programme, have trained over 1,500 young Nigerians, promoting financial self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship through an e-commerce-driven direct-selling model active in over 100 countries.

“Our e-commerce driven direct-selling model provides income-generating opportunities in over 100 countries, promoting entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency in low-income regions. True progress requires collaboration”, he said.

Prof. Ibrahim Adeyanju, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone, underscored the importance of building sustainable digital infrastructure to fuel Africa’s economic transformation.

Galaxy Backbone
Nnamdi Onoh, Field Service Engineer at Galaxy Backbone Limited

Presenting a paper titled: Building Digital Infrastructure for a Sustainable Digital Economy, through a representative, Mr. Nnamdi Onoh, Field Service Engineer at Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Adeyanju noted that technology has the potential to redefine Africa’s economic trajectory, and that at Galaxy Backbone, they are dedicated to building the foundational digital infrastructure that supports this vision.

According to him, “Africa’s digital journey presents immense opportunities, but it requires robust, scalable, and sustainable infrastructure to enable economic growth. Galaxy Backbone’s mission aligns directly with these goals, as we work to provide the infrastructure and connectivity that powers government services, businesses, and communities across Nigeria.”

He said that today, digital infrastructure is much more than just technology but about creating resilient systems that empower citizens, foster economic empowerment, and drive inclusive growth.

“Our investments in state-of-the-art data centres, fibre optic networks, state of the art SOC and secure cloud solutions have created a backbone that supports Nigeria’s public sector and enables interconnectivity among MDAs,” he said.

Nodding in agreement, Mrs. Ebehijie Momoh, the chief executive officer of AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited, said that the company, working with Nigerian banks and the Central Bank, aims to reduce payment processing costs, thus supporting the nation’s financial inclusion goals.

Mrs. Ebehijie Momoh - AfriGoPay Financial Services Ltd
Mrs. Ebehijie Momoh, the chief executive officer of AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited

Momoh noted that with a population exceeding 220 million and mobile penetration reaching a notable 90%, Nigeria is well-positioned for a digital transformation that supports a burgeoning economy, adding that over 103 million Nigerians, or 45.5% of the population, are now internet users, underscoring the potential for digital growth.

“According to a 2023 report, the country’s financial inclusion rate rose to 64%, an impressive increase from the 50s just two years prior. This growth is driven in part by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) initiatives focused on financial inclusion, fostering an environment where more Nigerians can access essential financial services,” she said.

The AfriGoPay Chief Executive expressed delight that Nigeria’s digital payments landscape is also experiencing rapid expansion, with 2023 alone seeing an estimated $730 billion in transactions and noted that the advent of domestic payment solutions, like the recently launched AfriGo card, represents a home-grown option that facilitates cashless payments.

“The AfriGo card, developed in collaboration with Nigerian banks and the CBN, is designed to reduce costs by processing transactions in local currency instead of foreign exchange, thus supporting the nation’s financial inclusion goals.

AfriTECH attendees
AfriTECH attendees

AfriTECH 4.0 had QNET as the gold sponsor. Silver Sponsors – Galaxy Backbone, Digital Realty, Digital Encode Ltd, while the Bronze Sponsors are – CED Technologies, AfriGoPay, Tecom, Northsnow UK, Hyperspace Technologies, Palmpay, OADC.

Ecosystem Partners: NCC, NITDA,, InnovationBed Africa, ALTON, ATCON, NCS, IXPN, NiRA, Lagos Blockchain Week, Newmark Group.

Media Partners include; Techeconomy, NigeriaCommunicationsWeek, ITPulse, Ravenews, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, GrassRoots, DigiVation Network, TechLifewithUgo, BusinessMetrics, BusinessRemarks, SwiftReporters, TechTV, Africa Hyperscalers Media, CyberEra, ITRealms, DigitalTimes, TechnologyMirror, TechandBizNews, ITNewsNigeria.

AfriTECH 4.0 attracted both physical and virtual attendees from Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, United Kingdom, United States, South Africa, amongst others.

Loading

0Shares

Tags: AfrigoPayAfriTECH 4.0Digital EncodeQNET
Previous Post

Deals Valued Over $370m Sealed at Afreximbank’s Lagos Workshop

Next Post

MTN Nigeria Appoints Yahaya Ibrahim as CTO, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka as CMO

Joan Aimuengheuwa

Joan Aimuengheuwa

Joan thrives at helping individuals and businesses scale via storytelling...

Related Posts

Gov Mbah Commissions NITDA South East Regional Office in Enugu
News

Gov Mbah Commissions NITDA South East Regional Office in Enugu

by Peter Oluka
May 8, 2025
0

Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah has inaugurated the South East zonal office of the National Information Technology Development...

Read more
SPPG Class of 2025

SPPG Students Help Youths Develop Digital Skills, Financial Literacy

May 8, 2025
Enugu Tech Festival

Enugu Tech Festival: Mbah, Tijani Seek More Southeast Participation in Digital Economy

May 8, 2025
UK Government climate change programme in Nigeria | Propcom+

UK-Aid funded Propcom+ Backs Nigeria’s Agricultural Reforms

May 7, 2025
AfCFTA and NITDA

NITDA DG Tips Technology to Leapfrog AfCFTA

May 6, 2025
TD and Huawei eKit installer workship

TD Africa, Huawei Empower Installers to Drive eKit Deployment Across Africa

May 6, 2025
Next Post
MTN Nigeria Appoints Yahaya Ibrahim as CTO, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka as CMO

MTN Nigeria Appoints Yahaya Ibrahim as CTO, Onyinye Ikenna-Emeka as CMO

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Techeconomy Podcast

Techeconomy Podcast
Techeconomy Podcast

Infowave is brought to you by TechEconomy. Every week we will bring new stories from startups and influencers who are shaping and changing the world we live in. We’ll also bring you reports on topics you should know.

Follow us @techeconomyng for more.

CYBERSECURITY ESSENTIALS
byTecheconomy

BUILDING STRONGER NETWORKS AND COMMUNITIES

CYBERSECURITY ESSENTIALS
CYBERSECURITY ESSENTIALS
April 24, 2025
Techeconomy
Digital Marketing Trends and strategies for 2025 and beyond
February 27, 2025
Techeconomy
Major Lesson for Techies in 2024 and Projections for 2025
December 6, 2024
Techeconomy
Major Lessons for Techies in an AI-Driven World | Techeconomy Business Series Highlights
November 26, 2024
Techeconomy
Maximizing Profitability Through Seasonal Sales: Strategies For Success
November 8, 2024
Techeconomy
Techeconomy Business Series
October 15, 2024
Techeconomy
PRIVACY IN THE ERA OF AI: GETTING YOUR BUSINESS READY
May 30, 2024
Techeconomy
Unravel the Secrets of Marketing Everywhere All At Once with Isaac Akanni from Infobip | Infowave Podcast Episode 1
February 9, 2024
Techeconomy
The Role of Ed-tech in Life Long Learning and Continuous Education
October 19, 2023
Techeconomy
Filmmaking and Technology: A chat with Micheal Chineme Ike
June 7, 2023
Techeconomy
Search Results placeholder

WHAT IS TRENDING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_MCUwS2woc&list=PL6bbK-xx1KbIgX-IzYdqISXq1pUsuA4dz
uba

Follow Us

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Privacy Policy

© 2025 Techeconomy - Designed by Opimedia.

No Result
View All Result
  • News
  • Tech
    • DisruptiveTECH
    • ConsumerTech
      • Accessories
      • Phones
      • Laptop
      • Gadgets and Appliances
      • Apps
    • How To
    • TechTAINMENT
  • Business
    • Telecoms
      • Broadband
    • Mobility
    • Environment
    • Travel
    • Commerce
    • StartUPs
    • TE Insights
    • Security
  • Partners
  • Economy
    • Finance
    • Fintech
    • Digital Assets
    • Personal Finance
    • Insurance
  • Features
    • IndustryINFLUENCERS
    • Guest Writer
    • Appointment
    • EventDIARY
    • Editorial
  • Apply
  • TecheconomyTV
  • Techeconomy Events
  • BusinesSENSE For SMEs
  • TBS

© 2025 Techeconomy - Designed by Opimedia.

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.