The company is executing this vision through its dedicated training academy, i-Academy, an in-house talent development platform designed to skill and certify young African professionals.

As part of the academy’s Supplementary Technical Engineering Program (STEP), trainees recently visited the renowned Cisco Edge Centre to gain firsthand exposure to cutting-edge cloud networking technologies and professional expertise.

The 2025 Cloud and Security Cohort commenced in April with the onboarding of 100 aspiring engineers, carefully selected from over 3,600 applicants across Nigeria.

The program integrates global best practices from CompTIA, a recognized international partner, mentoring and coaching from expert instructors and exposure to industry leaders, leads to internationally recognized certificate of participation, positioning trainees to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving digital economy

During the Cisco Edge Centre visit, trainees were exposed to Meraki, Cisco’s cloud-based networking solution, renowned for its AI-driven capabilities that allow engineers to rapidly detect, diagnose, and resolve network issues. They also explored real-world cybersecurity applications and gained insights into how Meraki is used by 75% of Fortune 500 companies, showcasing its impact on global enterprise infrastructure.

But the highlight of the day was more than the tech.

Trainees were inspired by a dynamic mentorship session with Chukwudi Theodore, a seasoned network engineer, who shared his personal journey from his early days of learning to becoming a leader in the field. His message was clear and impactful: be proactive, stay committed, maintain discipline, and always push yourself beyond the ordinary.

“At Heirs Technologies, we’re not just solving today’s tech problems, we’re shaping tomorrow’s talent,” said Ivy Ikpeme-Mbakwem, VP, i-Academy, Heirs Technologies. “Visits like this form a crucial part of our mission to give African youth meaningful exposure, practical skills, and access to mentors who can guide them into global tech leadership.”

This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Heirs Holdings Group, under the leadership of Tony O. Elumelu, to unlock Africa’s potential through youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.

With the STEP programme, Heirs Technologies is positioning itself not only as a technology leader but also as a talent accelerator, offering structured learning, hands-on engagements, and real-industry experiences that prepare young Africans for success in a digital world.

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Heirs Technologies has already positioned itself to train 100,000 young people on digital skills, this year.

More so, the company aims to herald the concept of Africapitalism – the economic philosophy developed by Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, the founder and chairman of Tony Elumelu Foundation which is predicated on the belief that Africa’s private sector can and must play a leading role in the continent’s development.

Dr. Fumbi Chima, a Nigerian-American technology executive, and the chairman of Heirs Technologies, reechoed this vision on Wednesday during a ‘meet and greet’ event, to introduce the tech company to the media.

She reiterated that Heirs Technologies is here to answer the Africapitalism call-to-action for businesses to make decisions that will increase economic and social wealth, and promote development in the communities and nations in which they operate.

Let’s delve into the journey and vision of Heirs Technologies as it steps into the spotlight of the tech world.

A Visionary Beginning

According to Dr. Chima, Heirs Technologies emerges on the scene with a vision that transcends conventional boundaries, aiming to revolutionize diverse sectors through cutting-edge technology solutions.

Founded by visionary leader with a passion for innovation, she said, “Heirs Technologies is built on a foundation of creativity, expertise, and a relentless drive to push the boundaries of what’s possible”.

Focused Areas of Expertise

At the core of Heirs Technologies’ mission is a commitment to addressing key challenges and driving positive change, says Obong Idiong, the managing director/chief executive officer.

He said that with a multidisciplinary approach, the company specializes in several key areas:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML):

Also, Heirs Technologies harnesses the power of AI and ML to develop intelligent systems that optimize processes, enhance decision-making, and unlock actionable insights from data.

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy:

Recognizing the critical importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital landscape, Heirs Technologies offers robust solutions to safeguard sensitive information and mitigate cyber threats.

Cloud Computing and Infrastructure:

Leveraging cloud technologies, Heirs Technologies enables scalability, flexibility, and efficiency for businesses, empowering them to embrace digital transformation seamlessly.

IoT and Connectivity Solutions:

With a focus on the Internet of Things (IoT), Heirs Technologies designs interconnected systems that drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and create new avenues for growth.

“Heirs Technologies understands the power of collaboration and partnerships in driving innovation and fostering growth.

“We actively engage with industry leaders, academic institutions, startups, and government bodies to create a vibrant ecosystem of knowledge sharing, co-creation, and collective impact”, Idiong said. “By forging strategic alliances and alliances, Heirs Technologies accelerates the pace of innovation and expands its reach across diverse markets and sectors”.

“As action-oriented company we have already commenced the process to train 75,000-100,000 young people on relevant digital skills.

“We are not just teaching them about hardware and software, we are setting them on the path of soft skills for them to unleash their creative thinking, design thinking and become more relevant in today’s workplace and entrepreneurship”, he added.

Commitment to Sustainability and Social Impact

Speaking further, Anant Rao, the executive director, Heirs Technologies, said, beyond technological advancement, the company is committed to sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility.

He highlighted how the company integrates principles of environmental stewardship, diversity, equity, and inclusion into its operations, aiming to make a positive difference in the world while delivering value to stakeholders and communities.

Future Outlook and Expectations

As Heirs Technologies embarks on its journey, the tech community eagerly anticipates the unveiling of groundbreaking products, solutions, and initiatives.

With a team of visionary leaders, top-notch talent, and a passion for innovation, Heirs Technologies is poised to make a lasting impact, driving progress, and shaping the future of technology in profound ways.

Thus, the launch of Heirs Technologies represents a significant milestone in the tech landscape, heralding a new chapter of innovation, collaboration, and positive change.

As Heirs Technologies sets its sights on pioneering solutions and driving transformative impact, the world eagerly awaits the next wave of technological marvels that will emerge from Heirs Technologies’ visionary endeavours.

Heirs Technologies, a digital transformation company, has announced the appointment of Obong Idiong as its chief executive officer.

Idiong brings considerable experience in the technology sector and a visionary approach to this role.

The company also appointed Dr. Fumbi Chima as its Chair.

Prior to joining Heirs Technologies, idiong has served as the MD/CEO at Africa Prudential Plc, where he spearheaded the digital transformation of its registrar services and repositioned the company as an agile and technology-driven organisation.

Idiong has held a series of senior management roles, including at the United Bank for Africa Plc and Heirs Holdings Limited.

Heirs Technologies, a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, delivers efficiency and scalability to enterprise customers, offering specialised and localised services that include IT Consulting, Managed Services and Business Process Outsourcing.

In addition, the company offers locally relevant enterprise solutions to enable companies to scale and transform their services. The company is committed to developing local talent through tailored skills development programmes.

Obong Idiong said, “We are proud to bring Heirs Holdings’ core values and business approach to the tech sector, leading with excellence, execution, and enterprise. We are committed to bridging an enormous gap in the technology ecosystem by delivering local relevance to a global market and offering cutting-edge solutions to enable our customers to become more competitive”.

On her part, Dr. Fumbi Chima has served as CIO in global companies including Adidas, Fox Network Group, Burberry Corporation, Walmart Stores Inc. Asia business operations, and American Express’ Global Corporate Technologies prior to the current appointment.

In her statement she said, “I am pleased to be a part of this movement to unlock Africa’s potential.

Having worked in technology leadership roles across global organisations, I am confident that Heirs Technologies will create impact that will improve lives and transform the continent”.

Heirs Technologies is Africa’s digital transformation partner, driving innovation across the continent.

Building on Heirs Holdings’ track record of digital transformation in financial services, Heirs Technologies specialises in delivering world-class technology solutions to corporate customers, including Managed Services, System Integration, and bespoke IT Consulting.

Heirs Technologies empowers businesses to thrive, through the delivery of innovative solutions, world-class expertise, and access to global providers, while enhancing local capacity and value.

Heirs Technologies is a subsidiary of Heirs Holdings, the leading pan-African investment company with strategic investments in key sectors in the African economy, including resources, power, financial services, real estate and hospitality and healthcare, with portfolio operations across twenty-four countries worldwide.

Heirs Holdings’ investment approach is driven by founder Tony Elumelu’s philosophy of Africapitalism that champions the African private sector’s commitment to the economic transformation of Africa, through investments that generate both economic prosperity and social wealth.

Heirs Technologies was launched with an ambition to empower Africa’s digital transformation through innovative and locally tailored solutions.

The company endeavours to provide value added services that capitalise on top-tier expertise while guaranteeing accessibility locally.

The company’s range of offerings includes IT consulting, which encompasses advisory services, business transformation, system integration, licencing, and partnerships.

Additionally, Heirs Technologies will offer various managed services covering IT operations and business process outsourcing.

To achieve its vision of propelling Africa to the forefront of the global technology landscape, Heirs Technologies will strategically invest in cutting edge technological solutions and develop platforms that foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders. Central to the company’s plans is to develop local capacity through meticulously tailored skills development programmes.

Emmanuel Nnorom, Heirs Holdings’ group chief executive officer, expressed his excitement about the launch while reiterating the company’s mission, “We are embarking on a journey fueled by innovation and driven by purpose. Our mission isn’t solely about creating products; it’s about shaping the future of technology, one groundbreaking solution at a time.”

The launch of Heirs Technologies reaffirms Heirs Holdings’ steadfast commitment to invest in sectors that provide long-term returns and have the ability to transform Africa’s economy. Heirs Holdings has been a pivotal player in various sectors critical for Africa’s development including financial services, energy, power, healthcare, real estate, and hospitality.

“The introduction of Heirs Technologies marks a significant milestone in our journey towards accelerating progress for future generations across Africa,” said Tony O. Elumelu, founder & group chairman, Heirs Holdings. “Technology has the power to catalyse development, and we are committed to harnessing this potential to unlock new innovations that will improve lives and transform our continent.”