By 9:00 AM (WAT), the iconic venue will come alive with the buzz of Africa’s leading technology minds, innovators, regulators, investors, and thought leaders, all gathered to explore this year’s powerful theme: “AI and Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence.”

At a time when artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and redefining economies, AfriTECH 5.0 promises to spark vital conversations on how homegrown innovation and sovereign technologies can power Africa’s digital future, safely, securely, and sustainably.

Meet the Voices Shaping Africa’s Tech Future

The 2025 edition brings together a stellar lineup of speakers and industry leaders including:

• Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC);
• Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC);
• Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, Founder/Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Ltd;
• George Agu, MD/CEO, ActivEdge Technologies Ltd;
• Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO, SKOT Communications;
• Muhammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN);
• Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria; and
• Dr. (Mrs.) Ebehijie Momoh, CEO, Afrorgy Financial Services Ltd.

They will be joined by other brilliant minds including

• Happiness Obohia, CEO, Tizeti Cybersecurity;
• Chukwuemeka Enoch Mbabaie, Convener, Lagos Blockchain Week;
• Chidi Okpala, Personal Branding Coach; and
• John Itodo, an AI & Tech Innovator for Emerging Markets, among others.

Together, these experts will explore how Africa can leverage AI, indigenous technology, and data-driven systems to strengthen its digital sovereignty and global competitiveness.

A Platform for Bold Ideas and Real Impact

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of AfriTECH 5.0, said:

“AfriTECH 5.0 promises a robust and interactive agenda featuring keynote presentations from global tech leaders, panel discussions on data governance, fintech inclusion, and AI ethics, plus exhibitions showcasing some of Africa’s most exciting innovations. The highlight of the event will be the prestigious Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards, celebrating outstanding contributions to Africa’s digital ecosystem.”

This year’s edition also includes a Fireside Chat hosted by Lagos Blockchain Week, where participants will unpack the potential of decentralized systems and blockchain innovation in enabling transparent governance and financial inclusion.

Building Collaboration for Africa’s Tech Future

AfriTECH 5.0 is supported by a coalition of technology enablers and sponsors, a reflection of the ecosystem’s growing unity and shared purpose.

Digital Encode Limited leads as the Platinum Sponsor, while itel, SKOT Communications, Tecom, Afrigo Payment Financial Services Limited, Tizel Cybersecurity, and ActivEdge Technologies, are the Gold Sponsors.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) also lends its support as an institutional partner.

Participation at AfriTECH 5.0 is free, but registration is mandatory. Interested participants can sign up via the link HERE.

This statement was made with its backing of the 2025 edition of the International Girls in ICT Day campaign being organised by eBusiness Life Communication Limited.

Also, Leading Cybersecurity and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) firm, Digital Encode have also indicated interest in being part of this year’s campaign.

This year’s event, which will hold at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on May 15, 2025, is part of an annual campaign initiated by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) to sensitise and encourage young women and girls to delve into ICT and related careers, which have been dominated by the male gender. The 2025 theme will be central on “Girls in ICTs: Bridging ALL Divides for an Inclusive Digital Transformation.”

According to the Chief Executive Officer of eBusiness Life Communication and Convener of the event, Mrs. Ufuoma Emuophedaro, the need to sensitise young girls is premised on the need to shape the future of technology and the roles the female gender will play in this.

In Nigeria, a significant gender disparity exists in the tech industry, with women being underrepresented in both education and employment. Studies show that men are almost twice as likely to pursue computer science and technology careers, and women make up only about 20% of the workforce in the ICT sector.

Mrs. Emuophedaro noted that efforts should be made to introduce young girls to career opportunities in technological and technical fields in both the public and private sectors to help them have a wider range of options and contribute their quota in the industry and in the development of the economy.

The support from foremost ICT companies, heavyweights in their sub-sectors, MTN and Digital Encode, underscores the importance of the campaign.

Digital Encode is a leading consulting and integration firm founded in 2003 that specializes in the design, management, and security of business-critical networks, telecommunications environments and other Information Technology (IT) infrastructures.

Recognised in the industry for its vendor independent perspective, the firm’s expertise lies in solving multifaceted, complex enterprise network security and audit problems, also with the concept that a company should run its IT organisation as a business.

MTN Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest providers of communications services, connecting over 87 million people in communities across the country with each other and the world.  Guided by a vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world, MTN Nigeria has been in the forefront of this campaign to build human capacity in Nigeria.

Digital Encode also provides advisory services toward improvements in Information Security Management, Network Security, Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, Computer Forensics, Risk Management and Business Continuity Management.

As part of the 2025 event, there will be a practical AI (Robotic) competition among female students from select secondary schools, roundtable discussion, interactive and motivational talk from renowned women ICT professionals, and Schools’ STEM quiz competition, among others.

International Girls’ Day is an initiative launched through ITU Resolution 70 with the idea of creating a global environment that will empower and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in the field of information and communication technologies.

The ITU declared the 4th (fourth) Thursday of April every year as a special day to celebrate and encourage girls and young women to consider careers in ICT, and the society is reminded to support them in their choice.

This year’s event will have top government and private sector executives in attendance.

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.

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.

Similarly, the company established 21 years ago with a vision to become the number one information technology assurance company in Africa, established a new sub-Saharan global office in the Lekki area of Lagos, Nigeria.

Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, the chief visionary officer and founder of Digital Encode Limited, disclosed the unicorn status intent during a recent interview with CNBC monitored by Techeconomy.

Dr. Obadare spoke about their ambitions and mission to help African businesses protect their information assets.

The interview aired on Thursday, 10 Oct 2024 13:57:37 GMT.

You can watch it here.

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 said that by proactively addressing emerging threats, the company will enhance the cyber resilience of its clients.

“CISI, DigitalEncode’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.

As the driving force behind CISI, Adewale emphasised 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.

Also partnering with NITRA for this year’s event will be the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA).

NiRA is the domain registry that manages Nigeria’s .NG Domain System, overseeing Nigeria’s country code top-level domain, .ng.

The event, NITRA ICT GROWTH CONFERENCE, which is in its fourth edition, is scheduled to hold at the Citiheight Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos on Wednesday August 28, 2024 has its theme as “Impact of AI On National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria”.

Speaking on support by Digital Encode and NeuRaL AI, NITRA Chairman, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi noted that they are in line with current realities of security in the cyberspace, and their contributions will go a long way in exposing the needed precautionary measures needed as Nigeria looks towards utilizing AI in both government and private sector processes.

The event targets to bring stakeholders in the ICT industry to discuss and find ways of accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) growth in the industry as a means of achieving laudable federal government set targets and policies, including those recorded in policy documents by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the NCC and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Under its “NITRA ICT Growth Conference”, which seeks to bring a multi-sectorial development agenda, NITRA is organising a multi-panel interactive conference that will look at the themes that include:

• “Driving Sub-Sectoral Digital Growth With Artificial Intelligence”.
• “Navigating the Dangers of AI In A Developing Economy: Role of Public, Private Stakeholders”.

According to the General Secretary of NITRA, Mr. Chidiebere Nwankwo, industry associations will also make their inputs. They include ALTON, ATCON, NiRA, among others.

He further noted that with the latest support of Digital Encode and NeuRaL AI, participants are sure to have an illuminating discuss on the security needs for AI and how it relates to other web-security needs.

Digital Encode is a leading Cyber security and Governance Risk Compliance (GRC) company founded in 2003 that specializes in the design, management, and security of business-critical networks, telecommunications environments and other Information Technology (IT) infrastructures.

NeuRaL AI, led by Oluseyi Akindeinde, is a Lagos-based provider of essential support to organisations intending to build and deploy Large Language Models (LLMs).

The company has been focused on helping Nigerian businesses adapt to the emerging world of artificial intelligence and also helping them adopt the same in their operations.

This significant milestone was announced to the ecstatic graduates and the huge crowd that had gathered to witness the historic event by the Keynote speaker and member of the Board of Trustees of Ijesa Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), esteemed industry leader Sir Aladekomo, chairman of SmartCity Resorts Plc and founder of Chams Plc..

The graduation ceremony celebrated the achievements of 48 trainees who completed intensive training in various digital disciplines: 10 in UI/UX Design, 23 in Cybersecurity, and 15 in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning.

These graduates are now equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge and recognized professional certificates in their respective digital domains ready to embark on their professional journeys.

In a press statement, Dr. Cornelius Adewale, executive director of Ijesha Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), remarked,

“The immediate job opportunities for our trainees are a testament to the hub’s commitment to providing skills development training today so that participants can build tomorrow. We are proud of the engagement framework, training delivery, monitoring mechanism, and effective assessment we have developed. This initiative has the potential to transform Nigeria into a digital economy powerhouse.”

Prince Abimbola Olashore, chairman of IGAD, added,

“The success of the first cohort of Ijesha Digital Hub underscores the significant role that targeted training programs play in addressing the skills gap in the Nigerian tech industry. The job placements of these graduates not only validate the quality of the training provided but also highlight the growing demand for skilled professionals in UI/UX Design, Cybersecurity, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning.”

Dr. Adewale Alonge, vice president of IGAD, also emphasized the broader impact of this achievement, stating,

“This milestone demonstrates the effectiveness of our comprehensive training approach and the dedication of our trainees. By equipping them with relevant skills, we are not only empowering individuals but also contributing to the overall growth and development of the tech sector in Nigeria.”

Dr. Alonge noted that the achievement of the mission of the Hub would not have been possible without the dedication, commitment and leadership of the domain leaders, Dr: Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode, for Cybersecurity, assisted by Mr. Tunji Igbalajobi, Mr. Ebenezer Ajayi (AI/ Machine Learning), Mr. Femi Bakare (UI/UX Design) and their team of mentors and instructors.

The event was chaired by Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the esteemed Asiwaju of Ijeshaland, who delivered remarks celebrating the achievements of the graduates and the impact of the Innovation Hub on the local community and beyond.

The 48 graduates have achieved a minimum of one professional certificate (some have two or more) in their digital specialization and are poised for leadership position in the digital transformation of the Nigerian economy.

The Ijesha Digital Hub remains committed to its mission of fostering digital entrepreneurship incubation and acceleration and technological advancement, ensuring that more young Nigerians are prepared to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

One of the highlights of the historic event was the announcement of the launching soon of a 100 million Naira digital infrastructure fund for the “1000 Digital Workforce in 24 months” project, by US based world-renowned Engineering Professor Olu Olowokere.

Dr. Babatunde Ojo, IGAD’s secretary and clinical medical director based in North Carolina, USA presented special awards to the six top graduates from the graduating class.

Payments Forum Nigeria [PAFON] is an event focused on providing inside-look at the payment industry in the country, offering perspectives from key stakeholders, including payment networks, technology innovators, leading merchants, issuers, acquirers and payment processors.

PAFON 1.0 is scheduled to take place this Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos by 9am-12noon, under the theme: “Payments: Trust, Security and Privacy in AI Era”.

Register here: https://bit.ly/4c4N19H

Moniepoint Inc., founded with the vision to create a society where everyone experiences financial happiness, joins other sponsors of the event: Digital Encode Limited (a leading consulting and integration that specializes in the design, management, and security of business-critical architecture); Cybervergent (a company dedicated to helping protect business sensitive data from cyber-attacks, including customer information, financial records and intellectual property); Payble (a fintech startup that modernises local government payments such as creating citizen-centric payment experiences, delivering flexible billing and simplified rate collection, and Inlaks, an IT company that offers core banking, fraud management, cybersecurity, cloud, data center, enterprise risk management, amongst other industry players.

Moniepoint Inc is the parent company of TeamApt Limited, a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licensed Switch and Processor, and Moniepoint Microfinance Bank, a CBN-licensed Microfinance Bank, and operates the largest distribution network for financial services in Nigeria through its subsidiaries, and has been awarded by the CBN in 2022 as the most inclusive payment platform in the country.

Over 70 million people use their cards on Moniepoint’s POS terminals monthly across every local government in Nigeria.

Led by its Group CEO, Tosin Eniolorunda, Moniepoint Inc.’s technology has powered businesses, offering all the payment, banking, credit and business management tools they need to succeed. It aims to power the dreams of businesses, their employees and customers by providing them with the financial technology tools they need to grow, no matter their digital literacy level.

Moniepoint Inc. currently processes the majority of the POS transactions in Nigeria through its subsidiaries, processing over $182 billion in TPV.

It is Africa’s largest Fintech by transaction volume. It is profitable and, in 2022, became QED Investors’ first investment into Africa.

Moniepoint Inc was recently named as the Fintech Company of the Year by the Leadership Newspapers Group.

Speakers:

Meanwhile, speakers lined for PAFON 1.0 are: Chibuzo Efobi, Director, Payments System Management, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); Festus Amede, Chairman, Committee of Chief Information Security Officers of Nigerian Financial institutions (CCISONFI); Dr. Adewale Peter Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer (CVO), Digital Encode Limited; Adetokunbo Omotosho, Chief Executive Officer, Cybervergent; Roosevelt Elias, Founder, Payble; Ikenna Ndugbu, Chief Compliance Officer, Moniepoint MFB, and others.

Participation:

Participation is FREE, however, pre-registration is required: https://bit.ly/4c4N19H

In a grand event attended by Ijesha royal fathers and eminent sons and daughters of the community, the Ijesha Global Alliance for Development (IGAD), a coalition of Ijeshas based in North America, Europe and in the Nigeria homeland, commissioned the Ijesha Digital Hub and inducted its first cohort of 107 trainees in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and UI/UX Design.

The hub, which is situated on the beautiful campus of the prestigious Olashore International School in Iloko-Ijesha, took the first critical step to transform Ijeshaland as the digital hub of excellence in the country.

On January 4, 107 of the best of the best Ijesha youths gathered in the state-of-the-art Ijesha Digital hub to begin their training as skilled workforce and techno-entrepreneurs in the emerging global digital economy.

The inauguration was graced by prominent speakers and community leaders, including two royal fathers, Kabiyesi Owaloko, and the Oniwoye of Iwoye-Ijesha, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijesaland, Mr. Supo Shadiya, President, Ijesa Development Council (IDC) and Dr. Adewale Obadare, Chief Visionary Officer and founder of Digital Encode, one of the leading Cybersecurity companies in Nigeria, Barrister Dupe Ajayi-Gbadebo, IDC Vice President, among others who shared their insights on the indispensability of technology in shaping the future.

Dr Adewale Alonge, Vice President, IGAD, and one of the visionaries behind IGAD, who moderated the highly successful event, in his welcome and introductory address noted that Nigeria with the largest youth population in the world, with a median age of 18.1 years faces either a demographic ticking time-bomb or a demographic economic windfall depending on the choice the country makes as it relates to investment in youth human capital development.

He noted that IGAD’s Ijesha Digital Hub was an investment in Ijesha youth human capital as the driver of the Ijesha development agenda.

He noted that;

“The hub will serve as a gateway to opportunities, offering the means for sustainable livelihoods and the tools for scaling through the complex reality of the world.”

The commissioning of Ijesha Digital hub also highlighted the importance of facilitating entrepreneurial drive and soft skills among the youth.

Dr. Wale Alonge emphasized,

“We are not just training for technical proficiency; we are exemplifying entrepreneurship and soft skills. The hub will be a stimulator for innovation, with a focus on real-world applications.”

Prince Abimbola Olashore, Chairman of Ijesha Global Alliance for Development, conveyed his gratitude for the collaborative efforts that led to the hub’s establishment:

“Today’s ceremony is just the beginning. I want to thank all IGAD members and the Executive Board for their contributions. The hub is set to transform our workforce, fostering economic growth and sustainability.”

The push towards global connectivity and technology was reiterated by the Chairman: “Making it global with technology is where we are today. The hub is breaking barriers and inspiring the youth to make informed choices. Our commitment is solid, and we are set to make a difference in the digital age.”

The Chairman continued, addressing the hub’s potential impact on employment: “We are proud to change the employment situation, especially in the current job market. This project aims to create a skilled workforce capable of thriving in the global economy. The hub is not just a physical space but a motivator for the nation, and beyond.”

Ijesha Digital hub was built in pursuit of encouraging entrepreneurship, where individuals are investing their time, talent, and resources, collaborating with sponsors, and ensuring a smooth and impactful journey for the youth. This is about going beyond limits and making technology accessible globally.

Dr. Ayoola, Founder of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Nigeria (RAIN) delivered the keynote speech on Mindset Shift for Digital Success:

“The mindset shift is critical. Success is not just about acquiring skills but defining success in your terms. It’s about solving problems and creating opportunities.”

Dr. Ayoola emphasised the need for a positive mindset, stating, “If we do not achieve a mind shift, we will struggle in the midst of plenty. We have the human resources, but without the right mindset, we may not fully utilise the potential within us. The youth must define success on their terms and focus on integrity, not just jobs.”

The keynote speaker also highlighted the challenges and solutions ahead: “We are facing challenges such as security issues, economic struggles, and brain drain. The solutions lie in technology – from artificial intelligence to blockchain. The youth need to leverage these technologies to create solutions for the challenges our nation faces.”

“Today’s a memorable day for all of us. What is happening today is going to make digital innovation in Nigeria,” expressed Dr. Peter Adewale Obadare, the Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited, and one of Africa’s most credentialed cybersecurity experts.

Dr. Obadare shared a personal reflection on the power of technology, highlighting its role in overcoming challenges.

He noted the importance of skills in cybersecurity and technology, dispelling conventional notions of success portrayed by the media. Through real-world examples, he stressed that technology offers diverse paths to success beyond traditional fields.

“The only way to bridge the gap of poverty is through technology. The power of technology, coupled with the right skills, can elevate the youth from zero to unimaginable heights,” affirmed Dr. Obadare.

To succeed in the digital age, Dr. Obadare presented a 3D formula – Determination, Dedication, and Discipline.

He encouraged the youth to be determined in their pursuit, dedicated to acquiring relevant skills, and disciplined in facing challenges.

Drawing from his experience, he reiterated that these qualities are key to success in the dynamic field of cybersecurity.

“Determination, dedication, and discipline are the keys to success. Apply these, and you will be a success story,” Dr. Obadare motivated the audience.

Dr. Obadare shed light on the opportunities in cybersecurity, stating that the world needs over 5 million cybersecurity professionals.

He urged the youth to embrace the program, noting that cybersecurity skills could lead to international job opportunities.

The induction ceremony also provided a medium for participants to express their aspirations. The Executive Director of IGAD, Dr. Cornelius Adewale, shared insights into the impact of the program, emphasizing the importance of dedication. Participants from diverse backgrounds, including data science and programming, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and their commitment to making a positive impact.

“This program has opened new possibilities for us. With dedication, we aim to impact our communities positively.”

Mr. Supo Shadiya reiterated the commitment of IDC to empowering Ijesa youths as the cornerstone its overall coordinating responsibility for Ijesha development.

The Vice President of Ijesa Development Council (IDC), Mrs. Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo addressed the importance of gender equity, acknowledging the significant role women play in technology. She urged the participants to challenge implicit biases and pointed out the need to include more women in the tech industry.

“Women are vital contributors to the tech industry. Let’s challenge biases and strive for inclusivity,” advocated the VP.

Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi, the Asiwaju of Ijeshaland, who earlier on had been commended by various speakers for his catalytic and extraordinary leadership in the unprecedented development renaissance in Ijeshaland, commended IGAD for putting Ijeshaland on the map as one of the first communities in the country to launch its own digital workforce development initiative outside of the Federal government 3 million Tech-workforce program.

He reiterated Nigeria youth bulge challenge, nothing that with a youth population of 150 million, the FGN 3 million digital workforce skill acquisition project represents less than 2% of its youth population.

He therefore urged the trainees to take full advantage of the unique opportunity that has been offered them and make Ijesha proud.

He promised the support of the entire Ijesha community for the Ijesa Digital Hub initiatives.

Dr. Adewale Alonge invited two of the trainees (a male and female) to respond to all they had heard from the various speakers.

They both expressed their profound gratitude to IGAD for affording them this once in a lifetime opportunity.

They promised not to let Ijeshaland down. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Adebanjo Adebiyi, a member of IGAD, via zoom from his base in Spokane, Washington, DC.

The induction ceremony at IGAD’s Ijesha Digital Hub was a spectacular success and it will go a long way in empowering Nigerian youth through technology.

Ijesha Digital hub will go beyond building skills, to building a future where technology empowers and transforms lives.

These span from ISO certifications to conducting Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI-DSS) for both Nigerian and international companies.

Digital Encode, which prides itself as the number one information technology assurance company in Africa, specializes in the design, management security of business-critical networks, telecommunications environments and other information technology infrastructures.

Speaking during a Fireside chat with Joan Aimuengheuwa, a senior Content writer with Techeconomy, at the Africa Tech Alliance (AfriTECH 3.0) Forum held at The Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA Olaifa Opeyemi, a Cybersecurity Consultant at Digital Encode Limited said the company known for solving multifaceted, complex enterprise network security and audit problems, will keep on working tirelessly to remain ready in the ever-evolving digital space.

Responding to a question on cybersecurity threats in Africa, Opeyemi highlighted a noticeable surge due to ongoing advancements in the digital landscape, emerging technologies, and the proliferation of smart devices.

There was a time of web applications; now, it’s all about mobile applications. The more technology we introduce, the greater the threats. There’s a corresponding increase in malicious attempts to exploit these technologies,” Opeyemi explained. “We’ve witnessed a rise in cybersecurity threats, from ransomware and malware to business logic attacks. Social engineering, especially phishing, has become rampant. Additionally, there’s a surge in cryptocurrency attacks, notably cryptojacking.”

Explaining Cryptojacking as a technique where attackers infiltrate a user’s device with malware, covertly using its computational power and resources to mine cryptocurrencies for the attackers’ benefit without the user’s knowledge or consent

Discussing positive developments, Opeyemi noted increased data protection efforts in Nigeria post the enforcement of the data protection bill by President Bola Tinubu.

She highlighted similar efforts in South Africa and Egypt through the implementation of POPIA (Protection of Personal Information Act), emphasizing the continent’s push towards data protection.

Opeyemi stressed that cybersecurity extends beyond technology to encompass organizational staff. “Even with top-tier technology and security-conscious staff, having processes like password policies is vital,” she emphasized.

Cybersecurity aims at ensuring information confidentiality, integrity, and availability,” Opeyemi explained. “Confidentiality prevents unauthorized access, integrity safeguards against unauthorized modifications, and availability ensures uninterrupted access.”

Regarding safeguarding data against DDoS attacks, Opeyemi recommended employing traffic analysis solutions capable of filtering suspicious traffic to prevent service unavailability.

Lastly, she urged the government to intensify cybersecurity awareness efforts, advocating for its inclusion in educational curricula to foster a cybercrime-free nation from an early age.