This was the emphasis of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0), held recently in Lagos, where industry experts, policymakers, and SMEs discussed innovative strategies for leveraging technology to leapfrog into the digital future.

Themed “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy,” AfriTECH 4.0 accentuated the indispensable role of SMEs, which form the backbone of Africa’s economy. 

According to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), SMEs contribute approximately 90% of businesses and 50% of employment across the continent.

Yet, many face challenges in accessing the tools and opportunities necessary for growth. 

The lessons from AfriTECH 4.0 provide a guide for SMEs to build resilience and promote innovation while staying competitive globally.

Financial Inclusion: Empowering SMEs Through Technology

Mr. Biram Fall, regional general manager, QNET sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the massive possibility of financial inclusion in Africa, noting that “with over 350 million unbanked adults, there is a significant potential for financial inclusion and digital solutions for Africa.” 

He stressed the transformative power of fintech in providing essential financial tools like savings accounts, credit, and insurance, all of which are important for SMEs seeking economic independence.

The demand for financial inclusion aligns with projections of a $75 billion e-commerce market in Africa by 2025, driven by internet access and smartphone adoption. However, Fall cautioned against infrastructural and cultural obstacles: “Limited banking infrastructure and high cash dependency hinder digital engagement.” 

SMEs can benefit by embracing mobile wallet solutions, which simplify transactions and boost consumer trust, thereby opening access to a wider e-commerce market.

With over 60% of Africans under 25, young entrepreneurs are leading digital growth by building scalable tech solutions, as emphasized by Jude Ozinegbe, founder/convener at Cyberchain. 

Similarly, women-focused programmes and local initiatives supporting female entrepreneurs ensure inclusivity. In empowering these demographics, SMEs can benefit from diverse perspectives and creative solutions, boosting innovation and long-term growth. 

These will go beyond bridging gender gaps to also stimulating a culture of innovation that strengthens local economies.

Blockchain and AI: Redefining SME Operations

In his keynote, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized the disruptive capability of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI). 

He stated, “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.”

For SMEs, blockchain presents avenues to secure transactions, ensure transparency, and reduce operational inefficiencies. 

Abdullahi projected that blockchain could contribute $300 billion to Africa’s GDP by 2025, especially through financial inclusion and governance applications. 

Meanwhile, AI-powered tools offer SMEs the ability to optimize resources, automate operations, and drive productivity, particularly in sectors like agriculture, healthcare, and education.

Challenges SMEs Face in Adopting Emerging Technologies

While the prospects of digital transformation are evident, SMEs often encounter limitations:

• Digital Literacy: Many SME owners lack the skills needed to effectively use advanced technologies.
• Cost of Technology: Financial restrictions limit access to tools like AI and blockchain.
• Resistance to Change: Traditional businesses often hesitate to digitise operations.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Limited connectivity in rural areas affects adoption rates.

Addressing these issues requires collaboration between governments, the private sector, and educational institutions. Through training, subsidies, and partnerships, these challenges can be mitigated to enable SMEs to unlock their potential.

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding the Digital Future of SMEs

Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, chief visionary officer of Digital Encode Limited, addressed the increasing risks accompanying digital transformation. 

He noted, “The rapid pace of technological advancements has introduced new cybersecurity threats and challenges.” For SMEs, which often operate with limited resources, powerful cybersecurity frameworks are essential to protect against cyberattacks and fraud.

Obadare highlighted that “Healthcare, financial services, and cloud providers remain prime targets, with attacks on critical infrastructure and IoT expected to intensify.” 

The takeaway for SMEs? Adopting a security-first culture, supported by partnerships between governments and private sectors, is essential to ensuring resilience in a digitally interconnected economy.

Useful Tips for SMEs

SMEs looking to make maximum use of technology can follow these steps:

1. Start Small: Begin with low-cost digital tools like WhatsApp Business or mobile payment systems.
2. Leverage Training Opportunities: Join government or private sector training programmes focused on digital literacy and entrepreneurship.
3. Collaborate with Fintechs: Partner with startups that can provide tailored solutions for SME needs.
4. Explore Funding Options: Tap into grants and microfinance opportunities aimed at promoting tech adoption.

Digital Payments: A Game-Changer for SMEs

Mrs Ebehijie Momoh, CEO of AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited, stressed the growing importance of digital payments in facilitating financial inclusion. 

She noted that “Nigeria’s digital payments landscape is experiencing rapid expansion, with 2023 alone seeing an estimated $730 billion in transactions.” 

For SMEs, innovations like the AfriGo card, which processes transactions in local currency, reduce reliance on foreign exchange and enable faster capital turnover.

Momoh underlined the need for accessibility, affordability, and product diversity in digital payment solutions. She added that “fintech companies are critical in ensuring affordable and accessible services, supported by regulations and a robust digital infrastructure to enable responsible and sustainable financial growth.” 

SMEs that leverage these tools can simplify operations, reduce costs, and expand their market reach.

Policy and Accountability: Bridging the Gap for SMEs

Muhammed Rudman, CEO of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), critiqued the contrast between policies and their execution. He stated, “We have excellent policies, but when it comes to implementing those policies, we are really, really lagging behind.” 

Policy implementation is necessary for SMEs to access the infrastructure and services needed for digital transformation. Rudman called for tougher penalties for non-performance to ensure government accountability, a measure that could directly benefit SME growth.

Collaboration: The Key to Digital Transformation

A recurring theme at AfriTECH 4.0 was the importance of partnerships. From QNET’s financial literacy programmes that promote entrepreneurship to NITDA’s focus on digital literacy, collaboration between governments, private sectors, and SMEs was deemed essential. 

“True progress requires collaboration,” stated Mr. Biram Fall, emphasizing the role of cross-sector partnerships in building a digital economy that is inclusive and resilient.

The insights from AfriTECH 4.0 reiterates that SMEs are at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation and financial inclusion, leveraging emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, adopting strong cybersecurity measures, and utilizing innovative digital payment systems, will help SMEs drive economic growth and resilience.

However, the journey requires accountability, supportive policies, and strategic collaborations to reach Africa’s goal of a competitive digital economy. 

“Africa’s potential in the digital age is boundless… We are not just spectators in the digital revolution; we are pioneers. Let us seize this moment to place Africa at the forefront of global innovation.” – Kashifu Abdullahi.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

He made this call at The Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 4.0) which took place yesterday, November 7, 2024, at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos. 

Centred around the theme: “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy,” the forum convened industry leaders, policymakers, and technology advocates to discuss Africa’s digital growth. 

Citing Nigeria as an example, Rudman stressed the disparity between the abundant digital policies and their lack of effective action, reflecting on former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s comment that “Nigeria is the graveyard for excellent policies.” 

He added that the lack of policy execution is particularly problematic in sectors essential to economic growth and national inclusivity.

While noting the strides made in other countries, Rudman pointed to India as an example, where significant investments have reached underserved areas. 

In Nigeria, he noted, the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, led by the Minister, has invested approximately $2 billion into initiatives that extend over 90,000 kilometres of broadband infrastructure into rural areas to connect the unserved population. 

Added to this, Rudman mentioned the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial inclusion initiatives and the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) aimed at ensuring access to digital and financial services across the country.

Despite these goal-driven projects, Rudman emphasised the gap between policy and practice. He said, “We have excellent policies to achieve that, but when it comes to implementing those policies, we are really, really lagging behind, and it’s the responsibility of the government to ensure that those policies are actually achieved.” 

He stressed the importance of government accountability in bridging this divide, calling it “a million-dollar question on how government can be achieving policies they have done.”

Rudman proposed implementing tougher penalties for non-performance as a potential solution, saying, “Unless there is going to be a high penalty for not delivering… then yes, maybe it can happen.” He argued that without tangible consequences, policies may continue to stagnate, hindering Nigeria’s potential in the digital economy.

Rudman’s address at AfriTECH 4.0 encompassed the fact that Nigeria has strong policies aimed at digital transformation, but it remains essential to ensure these plans are implemented with diligence and accountability.

The forum will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and entrepreneurs to explore the theme “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy.”

AfriTECH 4.0 is poised to address critical conversations around the digital evolution of Africa, with a focus on key topics such as emerging technologies, sustainability, policy frameworks, and innovation in the tech ecosystem.

The forum will highlight the importance of building sustainable and inclusive digital infrastructures that can drive economic growth and social development across the continent.

Event Highlights Include:

Keynote Presentations, Panel discussions, Networking Opportunities.

Also, the prestigious Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards will recognize individuals, businesses and institutions leading digital transformation in Africa.

Special Guests:

Dr. Aminu Maida, a distinguished leader in telecommunications and digital transformation; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, a transformative leader in Nigeria’s technology landscape, currently serving as the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA); Professor Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, the CEO of Galaxy Backbone, a key government-owned technology and digital infrastructure company; Biram Fall, the Regional Managing Director, QNET, a leading e-commerce-based direct selling company; Ebehijie Momoh, the CEO of AfrigoPay Financial Services Limited, where she leads the company’s mission to provide innovative payment solutions across Africa.

Others are; Dr. Muhammed Sirajo Aliyu, President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS); Dr. Temitope Alakija, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Statistics at Yaba College of Technology [Yabatech] Lagos; Adesola Akinsanya – President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA); Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere – President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON).

Also speaking are; Engineer Ikechukwu Nnamani – CEO, Digital Realty (Nigeria); Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited; Mr. Emmanuel Amos, Founder – Programos Foundation/InnovationBed Africa; Chukwuebuka Ume-Ezeoke, Chief Technology Officer at CED Technologies; Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, Founder, Hyperspace Technologies; Happiness Obioha, Managing Director, Tecom Concepts Limited; Chukwuemeka Mbaebie, Convener, Lagos Blockchain Week; Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director, Transblue Limited; Chika Nwosu, Managing Director, PalmPay; Jude Ozinegbe, Founder/Convener at Cyberchain; Mohammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria [IXPN]; Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO Open Access Data Centres (OADC); Kehinde Ogundare, country manager, ZOHO [Nigeria]; Ayodeji Ogunmola, Director, Products Management at Northsnow Ltd; Oluwakayode Durodola, founder, Otuntech Limited; Lovelyn Okafor, Country Head, Nigeria at Newmark; Olaniyi Ibraheem, Business Development Manager (Africa) at UBankConnect; Adedamola Bowale, Co-founder & Technical Lead at Avancee Pinnacle, and Moniade Adeniyi, Product Innovation & Business Growth Strategist, Northsnow Ltd.

Meanwhile, innovationbed Africa is set to host “Startup Showcase” at AfriTECH, a session dedicated to startup finalists for this year’s United Nations World Summit Awards. Discussants include – David-Bobola Ojoawo, the Producer for Compas.AI; Stephen Adeyemo of Expertplug; Siro Collins, CEO of Advanced Engineering Center (AEC), WSA Winner 2023; Elijah Moses, Producer for VerionX; Rasheed Aliu Producer for LOOPBOX; Musami Umar Musam, founder of RollMal; David Ezeonyekwere, the founder of CheapMarketDeal, and Sule Wisdom David, the founder of CyclexAfrica.

QNET is the gold sponsor of AfriTECH 40. Silver Sponsors – Galaxy Backbone, Digital Realty, Digital Encode Ltd. Bronze Sponsors – 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, all are supporting AfriTECH 4.0.

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 will also feature interactive panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions that will explore other critical topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, smart cities, and sustainable innovation”, said Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of AfriTECH. “We are grateful to the sponsors and partners”.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, as well as network with other industry leaders, innovators, and investors”, he added.

Participation

Online participants can join using the Zoom link here: https://shorturl.at/ETAPq.

Scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 07, 2024 in Lagos, Nigeria, AfriTECH 4.0 is Africa’s premier technology and innovation conference, uniting key stakeholders to explore the theme, “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy”.

As a lead partner, the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC’s) involvement highlights its commitment to regulatory excellence in the telecommunications industry and involvement in consumer awareness, ensuring the supply of telecommunications services and facilities as well as creating an environment for competition among telecommunications operators.

NCC’s support of AfriTECH 4.0 comes at a crucial time as Africa continues to embrace the digital economy and adopt transformative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and financial technology (fintech).

The commission led by the Executive Vice Chairman, Dr. Aminu Maida, will spotlight the growing intersection between telecommunications infrastructure, e-commerce, technology, and entrepreneurship, particularly in emerging markets.

Also, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) operates on a mandate to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of information technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria.

NITDA’s role therefore is to develop, regulate and advise on Information technology in the country through regulatory standards, guidelines and policies.

Since his assumption of office as the director general of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi has raised the bar in the pursuit of the Agency’s mandate as the clearing house for all IT projects and infrastructural development in the country.

It is the prime Agency for e-government implementation, Internet governance and general IT development in Nigeria.

NITDA is poised to showcase its mammoth mandate through strategic and inclusive stakeholder management, local and international partnership and efficient utilization of resources in the interest of Nigeria, even at AfriTECH 4.0.

From a commercial point of view, PalmPay is becoming a household name in digital banking and payment; a simple and secure payment app that gives rewards. The app with over 35 million users lets you send quick cash between friends and pay for airtime and utilities. The Managing Director, Mr. Chika Nwosu will delve into “Harnessing Fintech Solutions for Financial Inclusion & eCommerce Growth”.

AfriTECH 4.0 will feature a robust lineup of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions.

NCC, NITDA, PalmPay alongside other the Gold Sponsor – QNET and Silver Sponsors – Galaxy Backbone, Digital Realty, Digital Encode Ltd, plus Bronze Sponsors – CED Technologies, AfriGoPay, Tecom, Northsnow UK, Hyperspace Technologies, OADC, and Ecosystem Partners: InnovationBed Africa, ALTON, ATCON, NCS, IXPN, NiRA, Lagos Blockchain Week, Newmark Group, are backing AfriTECH 4.0.

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

Commenting on the sponsors of the event, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the Chairman of the AfriTECH 4.0 Organizing Committee, said:

“We are delighted to welcome NCC, NITDA and Palmpay as sponsors and partners of AfriTECH 4.0.

“AfriTECH 4.0 is expected to draw hundreds of participants, including tech professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and government officials, all focused on driving Africa’s digital transformation.

“As sponsors, NCC, NITDA and Palmpay will have the unique opportunity to showcase their innovative regulatory and operations solutions and engage with key stakeholders looking to harness technology for economic development.

For more information about AfriTECH 4.0, visit the website, and to register for the event, click here.

The event, which is set to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, is one of the most anticipated gatherings of technology enthusiasts, innovators, and industry leaders in Africa.

The sponsorship highlights Digital Encode’s unwavering commitment to promoting digital innovation and transformation across the continent.

Meanwhile, Digital Encode, in order to strengthen its global presence and enhance cybersecurity capabilities, recently commissioned a state-of-the-art facility at the Lekki area of Lagos.

This expansion is part of the company’s efforts to fulfil its mission of safeguarding organisations worldwide against cyber threats.

Alongside the new office, Digital Encode has launched the Centre for Information Security Intelligence (CISI), a specialised centre aimed at heightening cyber situational awareness, providing tailored threat intelligence, and enabling collaboration with international cybersecurity organisations.

Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, the founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode, said, that by proactively addressing emerging threats, the company will enhance the cyber resilience of its clients.

“CISI, Digital Encode’s proprietary solution, enables us to identify potential vulnerabilities in our clients’ environments and deploy targeted countermeasures before adversaries can exploit them.

“This approach minimises the likelihood and impact of cyber incidents, thereby strengthening the overall cyber resilience of Digital Encode’s clients,” Adewale said.

AfriTECH 4.0, scheduled for November 2024, will bring together stakeholders from various sectors to explore the theme: “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy”. The event will feature panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking opportunities designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among businesses, governments, and tech startups. The conference will focus on emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, blockchain, and financial technology (fintech), which are shaping the future of Africa’s digital landscape.

As a sponsor, Digital Encode will showcase its cutting-edge solutions in cybersecurity and digital risk management, underscoring its role as a pioneer in helping African businesses navigate the complexities of the digital age.

The firm will also play a key role in panel discussions on data privacy, cybersecurity, and the importance of compliance in fostering trust in digital systems.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Dr. Obadare said, “We are excited to be a part of AfriTECH 4.0, which represents the forefront of innovation in Africa. Digital transformation is critical to the development of our continent, and we believe that fostering collaborations and sharing knowledge at events like this will accelerate the growth of Africa’s digital economy.”

AfriTECH 4.0 promises to attract a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, policymakers, tech experts, and investors, all committed to driving Africa’s digital future. With Digital Encode’s expertise and leadership in cybersecurity, the conference is set to address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the African tech ecosystem.

Participation is Free, but you are required to register via the link here.  

Similarly, Dr. Obadare disclosed Digital Encode’s unicorn status intent during a recent interview with CNBC. The interview aired on Thursday, 10 Oct 2024 13:57:37 GMT.

You can watch it here.

As the driving force behind CISI, Adewale emphasized that the firm solidifies its position as a thought leader in the cybersecurity domain by developing innovative solutions that address the evolving threat landscape.

“Digital Encode demonstrates its commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing its clients with the most effective cybersecurity strategies,” the statement said.

The CVO underscored the company’s commitment to driving innovation and influencing the direction of the cybersecurity industry.

He added that through the publication of research reports, thought-provoking insights, and active participation in industry conferences and events, Digital Encode aims to inspire innovation and shape the global cybersecurity discourse.