This concern took centre stage at the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 5.0) and ATAEx Awards 2025, where Happiness Obioha, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tizel Cybersecurity, delivered one of the event’s most compelling arguments for a new cybersecurity paradigm rooted in African intelligence rather than foreign technology.

Speaking on the theme “Beyond Firewalls: The Case for Homegrown Cybersecurity Intelligence in Africa,” Obioha maintained that Africa’s cybersecurity risks cannot be effectively mitigated with imported solutions that were never designed for the continent’s distinct digital realities.

She described Africa’s cyber landscape as one defined by unique threat actors, infrastructural limitations, cultural nuances, and business patterns that global security platforms often fail to understand.

According to her, relying solely on perimeter-based defenses such as firewalls is no longer adequate in a world where cyberattacks grow more adaptive, persistent, and sophisticated.

Obioha argued that Africa’s dependence on generic global tools has created a critical gap in the continent’s ability to detect, interpret, and respond to emerging threats, and explained that foreign cybersecurity systems frequently misread local attack patterns or fail to anticipate region-specific vulnerabilities.

As a result, many African organizations operate with a false sense of safety while facing increasingly complex threats ranging from ransomware and financial fraud to targeted breaches on government infrastructure.

The Tizel CEO emphasised that Africa’s long-term security lies in adopting intelligence-led approaches that draw from local insights, indigenous expertise, and continental research, and noted that such solutions allow faster and more precise threat detection because they are built with an understanding of local behaviour patterns and digital environments.

Beyond security improvements, she stressed that homegrown cybersecurity also strengthens national sovereignty, reduces capital flight, expands technical capacity, and creates jobs in one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors.

Obioha cited Tizel Cybersecurity as an example of what locally grounded innovation can achieve, explaining that the company’s model integrates contextual intelligence, real-time monitoring, rapid incident response, and strict adherence to regulatory frameworks.

Cross section of (some) attendees at AfriTECH 5.0

According to Happiness Obioha, Tizel’s work with banks, telecom operators, government agencies, and SMEs demonstrates the measurable impact of Africa-specific cybersecurity architecture.

Among the results she highlighted were the prevention of a major ransomware attack in the financial sector, a significant reduction in network downtime for a telecom operator, and the deployment of effective real-time monitoring systems for a government agency.

She reinforced that Tizel’s success is built on its deep understanding of the African digital ecosystem, a familiarity she described as indispensable for delivering cybersecurity that genuinely protects African institutions.

The region’s business culture, infrastructural diversity, and evolving digital habits, she said, can only be accurately interpreted by experts who operate within the same environment.

Obioha urged African enterprises and governments to take a more deliberate approach toward securing their digital future, and encouraged them to re-examine their cybersecurity posture, invest in indigenous intelligence-driven solutions, and build internal teams equipped to respond to emerging threats.

The survival and competitiveness of African businesses, she noted, will increasingly depend on their ability to align security strategies with the realities of the continent’s rapidly evolving digital economy.

“Africa’s digital future is promising,” she concluded during the presentation at AfriTECH 5.0, “but it must be secured with intelligence and innovation that come from within the continent.”

The post Africa Must Build its Own Cybersecurity Intelligence, Says Tizel CEO at AfriTech 5.0 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

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.

The post Countdown to AfriTECH 5.0 and ATAEx Awards appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

George Agu, the MD/CEO of ActivEdge Technologies Limited, is an astute founder and technology leader whose illustrious career spans over twenty-five years across core banking systems, enterprise applications, fintech, cybersecurity, and AI-powered e-government services.

His experience blends strong technical expertise with strategic business leadership, having successfully built and scaled enterprise and public-sector technology platforms across West, East, and Southern Africa.

A Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Agu is also an alumnus of The Wharton School and the London School of Economics (LSE) through executive education, with specialisations in Entrepreneurship Acceleration, FinTech Revolution, Strategic Innovation, and Public Policy Analysis.

He began his professional journey as a software developer at CSA Nigeria in 2000, later joining Neptune Software, where he rose from Systems Implementation Manager to Managing Director/CEO for West Africa. At Neptune, he played a pivotal role in the success of the Equinox and Orbit core-banking platforms, with Orbit earning the No. 1 global ranking in microfinance core banking by CGAP (Washington DC).

As a serial founder, Agu established ActivEdge Technologies, a pan-African systems integrator delivering solutions in cybersecurity, GRC, enterprise automation, cloud, and core infrastructure, executing projects in more than six African countries.

He went on to found PayEdge, a fintech company addressing MSME liquidity and supply-chain finance challenges, and Introspec, a settlement and reconciliation platform used by banks in over fifteen African countries.

His latest innovation, HarmonyEdge, is an AI-powered e-government platform that digitises workflows, enables analytics and decisioning, supports citizen engagement, and powers payment and e-reconciliation systems, currently being piloted in a leading African nation.

Beyond entrepreneurship, George Agu contributes actively at board and civic levels. He serves on the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council, chairing a sector committee, and on the board of TN Cybertech Bank, where he leads the Technology and Strategy Committee.

He also chairs the Business Roundtable of the African Bar Association and serves as Deputy President of the South East–South South Professionals.

Speaking ahead of AfriTECH 5.0, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener, described Agu as a “seasoned technology visionary whose work embodies the spirit of African innovation and digital self-reliance.”

“His keynote will provide practical insights on how AI and sovereign technologies can redefine digital transformation across Africa’s public and private sectors”, Onwuegbuchi said.

AfriTECH 5.0 will convene industry leaders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore the role of AI and indigenous technologies in driving Africa’s digital independence.

The event is supported by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) with Digital Encode Limited as the Platinum Sponsor.

Other Gold sponsors are Galaxy Backbone, itel, Digital Realty, ActivEdge Technologies, Tecom, Tizel Cybersecurity, AfriGoPay Financial Services Limited, SKOT Communications and other ecosystem partners.

Registration is ongoing via the portal.

The post George Agu to Lead Discussions at Afritech 5.0 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The four companies, accompanied by other gold sponsors are; itel, SKOT Communications, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), and Digital Realty with the Nigerian Communications Commission offering partner support. They will showcase cutting-edge solutions across cybersecurity, telecom infrastructure, and payment innovation, reflecting AfriTECH’s goal of promoting Africa’s digital independence and resilience.

Slated for Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, the fifth edition of AfriTECH will hold under the theme: “AI & Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence.”

AfriGOpay: Driving Inclusion through Homegrown Payment Infrastructure

AfriGOpay Financial Services Ltd (AFSL), operator of Nigeria’s domestic card scheme AfriGO, will feature prominently at AfriTECH 5.0.

Backed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), AfriGOpay is advancing financial inclusion, reducing transaction costs, and promoting local innovation in payments.

The firm will showcase its growing suite of debit, prepaid, credit, and virtual cards, alongside contactless “tap-to-pay” technology, designed to support Nigeria’s cashless policy and empower millions of consumers and businesses.

“AfriGOpay’s presence at AfriTECH 5.0 underscores our vision of building a secure, inclusive, and self-sustaining payments ecosystem,” said Dr. Ebehijie Momoh, MD/CEO of AfriGOpay Financial Services Ltd. “We look forward to engaging innovators and policymakers to advance financial access across Africa.”

ActivEdge Technologies: Powering Secure Digital Transformation across Africa

Operating in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, ActivEdge Technologies is a pan-African IT solutions provider specializing in cloud infrastructure, enterprise applications, cybersecurity, and digital innovation.

At AfriTECH 5.0, the company will highlight its Zero-Trust security frameworks, digital transformation tools, and enterprise-grade cloud platforms that enable secure modernization for public and private institutions.

“Our mission is to help organizations innovate confidently by embedding security into every layer of transformation,” said Mr. George Agu, CEO of ActivEdge Technologies. “AfriTECH provides an ideal platform to showcase how African enterprises can adopt global-standard solutions built for local realities.”

Tizel Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Africa’s Digital Future

Tizel Cybersecurity continues to make waves in Nigeria’s digital economy with its broad range of services spanning threat detection, network protection, data security, and cybersecurity training.

At AfriTECH 5.0, Tizel will demonstrate how enterprises can manage secure digital transformation and regulatory compliance amid an increasingly complex cyber-threat landscape.

Happiness Obioha, CEO of Tizel Cybersecurity, said attendees can expect “live threat-detection demos, compliance workshops, and interactive sessions on data protection and incident response.”

Tecom Concepts: Bridging Telecom and Cybersecurity

Tecom Concepts Limited, a provider of ICT and telecom solutions, is recognized for strategic partnerships and certifications that drive connectivity and resilience.

The company recently partnered with PECB to offer ISO/IEC 27001 information-security training across Nigeria and with Cambium Networks to deliver next-generation wireless networking solutions.

At AfriTECH 5.0, Tecom will exhibit enterprise-grade broadband and Wi-Fi equipment, access-control systems, and optical-networking solutions, showcasing how secure connectivity underpins Africa’s digital growth.

A Convergence of Security, Connectivity, and Inclusion

The participation of AfriGOpay, ActivEdge, Tizel, and Tecom underscores the synergy between security, infrastructure, and inclusion, three pillars vital to Africa’s digital transformation.

According to Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of AfriTECH 5.0,

“Whether it’s safeguarding data, building robust networks, or enabling inclusive payment systems, these companies are advancing the shared vision of a safer, smarter, and more independent digital Africa.”

AfriTECH is an annual technology leadership forum convening policymakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to discuss strategies for sustainable digital transformation across Africa.

The 2025 edition will feature keynote sessions, exhibitions, and panels on emerging technologies including AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure.

The post AfriGO, Tizel and ActivEdge to Showcase Cybersecurity, Telecom, and Payment Innovations at AfriTECH 5.0 appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Happiness Obioha, the Chief Executive Officer, gave the advice while speaking on AI-powered identity theft and payment fraud, at the Payments Forum Nigeria [PAFON 2.0] held in Lagos, recently, she said the rapidly growing threat can no longer be ignored by businesses, especially those in the payment space.

She said while AI continues to transform the way people live and work, it also introduces new security vulnerabilities that threaten the very systems users aim to enhance.

Obioha referred to the latest Microsoft Cyber Signals report which highlighted a rise in AI-assisted scams targeting online shoppers using payments channels.

She warned that scammers are increasingly using AI to create more convincing fraudulent schemes.

In her words:

“From deepfakes and synthetic identity fraud to real-time payment exploitation through bot attacks, cybercriminals are using AI to create smarter, more evasive fraud schemes. This is why security must be at the forefront of AI integration. Without a fortified environment, even the most innovative technologies risk becoming liabilities.

“At Tizel Cybersecurity, we’re not just observing this evolution—we’re actively shaping the future of secure innovation. We provide AI-driven security solutions that detect and prevent fraud in real-time, protect against identity theft, and ensure safe digital interactions across financial and business platforms.

“Our services include real-time threat detection and response, AI-based biometric authentication, fraud prevention using behavioral analytics, next-generation firewall and intrusion prevention systems, and comprehensive cybersecurity training designed to build a strong culture of security.

She further stated that Tizel Cybersecurity has readied its team to support businesses by delivering proactive, intelligent, and adaptable security infrastructures—“because staying ahead of cybercriminals is not a one-time effort; it’s a continuous journey”.

‘As we leverage AI to drive inclusion and customer experience, let’s also prioritize security at every step. The question isn’t whether threats will come—it’s whether we’re prepared when they do”, she said.

As both a sponsor and participant at PAFON 2.0, she said they were excited to join industry leaders to explore the theme: “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI.”

The Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON) is a platform for discussing and addressing issues related to the Nigerian payments ecosystem. It’s a cross-industry event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, fintech innovators, and other stakeholders to discuss topics like digital payments, cybersecurity, and financial inclusion.

The post ​PAFON 2.0: Tizel Cybersecurity Calls for Vigilance over Surge in AI-Powered Fraud appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.