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Blockchain Will Redefine Company of the Future – Digital Encode CTO

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Dr. Oluseyi Akindehinde, Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Digital Encode Limited,
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Dr. Oluseyi Akindehinde, the Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Digital Encode Limited, has identified blockchain and the mobile phone as going to be fundamental to the company of the future.

Dr. Oluseyi Akindehinde, the Co-founder and Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Digital Encode Limited,

Making a presentation at the just concluded Africa Tech Alliance Forum, otherwise known as AfriTECH 2.0, held in Lagos, recently, Akindehinde said that with the coming of the 5G technology, it is expected that the company of the future has to provide services along those lines.

The cybersecurity expert however, argued that it is doubtful that humans will completely live their lives using such tools as the mobile phone and the internet without any other thing explaining why he titled the presentation “Web 3.0, Blockchain and a decentralized digital identity.”

According to Akindehinde, “Blockchain is actually three things. Blockchain is a protocol, like when you have an email, for instance. Email has an organized protocol; it is called SMTP. Blockchain is also a protocol.

“Number two, why do you have a protocol? It presupposes that there is a network; there are servers that host the email. The last thing about blockchain is that it is software. That means you have the SMTP, the servers, and the software.

“When we talk about blockchain in this part of the world, it is usually an anonymous cryptocurrency. Cryptocurrency is just the work of four quadrants which are forgeable, non-forgeable, transferable, and non-transferable.

“Cryptocurrency is forgeable and transferable. When we talk about it being forgeable, if I bring out a thousand naira note for instance, you can bring yours, and we exchange it; it doesn’t matter. The problem with a physical asset like that is that we can only make that transaction when we are in the same space,” he further disclosed.

While explaining the difference between electronic transaction and digital transaction, Akindehinde stated that what people often do online is electronic because there is somebody in the middle granting access.

“When you log onto your bank mobile app and you make a transaction from bank A to bank B, what you are doing is transferring messages; it’s like email. When you take your ATM card to an ATM, what you are doing is that you are delegating control of that transfer to that man in the middle which is your bank.

“This brings out two things: The concept of ownership and the concept of control. So, when you are doing that electronic transaction, you do not own that transaction, you are only in control of it. If the network goes down, you can no longer do that transaction.

“Your university degree for instance, is an asset to you, it’s unique to you; it’s non-transferrable. Unlike money you can exchange with another person, you cannot exchange your certificate with another person.

“Why can’t we, therefore, have a digital driver’s license or a digital passport, or a digital identity management system? Why are we still carrying plastics? That is why there is the need to power a digital economy through decentralized identities.

“We all have BVNs and NINs, why can’t I be authenticated with my NIN for instance, and I sign in and go? When you are online and you go and authenticate to your bank, by putting your username and password, your bank is not authenticating to you,” he said.

On the difference between Web 2 and Web 3, the Digital Encode CTO said that “Web 2 simply means that something is entirely online. I can’t use what is online in the physical world. For instance, if you have Gmail, Google Authentication or Microsoft, you can only use it on Google. The authentication resides on the server of the bank. That is the entire concept of Web 2.

“Web 3.0 on the other hand simply means that instead of having all the things stored on a centralized internet, you now have the data in your control; you are the owner, and you are in control of it. And that is why we have what is called a self-solving identity system.”

Dr. Akindeinde also received “AfriTECH Blockchain Technology Mastery Personality Award 2022”.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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GBB Reaffirms Commitment to Driving Public Sector Innovation @ the 5th Public Service Innovation Competition Awards

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Mohammed Sani Ibrahim, ED, Finance & Corporate Services, Galaxy Backbone
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Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, joined other key government institutions at the 5th Public Service Innovation Competition Award Ceremony, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

The event, which held in Abuja, celebrated groundbreaking ideas from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) that are reimagining public service delivery through innovation.

The ceremony, which attracted notable dignitaries including the Chief Host herself, The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, OON mni. Others include, former Heads of Service, Dame Amal Pepple and Mr. Danladi Kifasi, and the Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service, Hon. Sani Bala, showcased the vibrancy and ingenuity of Nigeria’s Civil Servants.

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the MD/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Mr. Sani Ibrahim, Executive Director, Finance & Corporate Services, underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, digital literacy, and innovative thinking as pillars for national development.

He emphasized that GBB remains deeply committed to supporting initiatives like the Innovation Competition, which foster a culture of creativity, problem-solving, and transformation across the public sector.

“Innovation is no longer a luxury — it is essential to building a responsive, efficient, and digitally enabled government. At Galaxy Backbone, we are proud to align with this vision through our Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), which drives digital infrastructure, innovation, data security, and capacity building across MDAs,” he stated.

The 2025 edition of the competition saw an outstanding 155 entries, with 132 individuals pitching innovative ideas and 66 thematic teams presenting implementable solutions designed to enhance service delivery and governance.

Themed around streamlining bureaucratic processes, succession planning, employee welfare, and change management, this year’s event reaffirmed the role of innovation in shaping a future-ready public service.

Galaxy Backbone recognizes the critical role of digital transformation in empowering civil servants to create lasting impact. By supporting platforms such as the Public Service Innovation Competition, GBB reinforces its commitment to equipping the public sector with the tools, skills, and digital infrastructure necessary for Nigeria’s progress.

As part of this commitment, GBB will also be providing mentorship for all the winners of the innovation challenge, helping them refine their ideas, scale implementation, and drive sustainable transformation across the public service.

As the country advances on its journey toward e-governance and efficient service delivery, GBB continues to stand as a strategic partner in building a connected, innovative, and digitally skilled public service.


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5 tips to start taking digital payments as a business in Africa

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Not long ago, cash was dominant in Africa, but digital payments are now rapidly gaining traction.

From Lagos to Kenya and the US, businesses are recognising that embracing digital methods is essential for growth.

A Mastercard-commissioned report forecasts Africa’s digital payments market will reach $1.5 trillion by 2030, fueled by increased mobile phone usage and e-commerce. While cash is still common, mobile money is on the rise.

Zabira is simplifying this transition for SMEs, freelancers, and online merchants. In August 2019, the company launched Zabira to innovate Nigeria’s cashless transaction market, offering services like crypto trading and utility payments.

The Zabira app supports four major fiat currencies—USD, NGN, GHC, and KES, making cross-border transactions seamless. It also provides access to over 20 cryptocurrencies, giving users flexibility and freedom in managing their digital finances.

For small business owners looking to adopt digital payments, here are five easy tips to get started.

1. Choose a Platform That Does It All

Choose a digital payment platform like Zabira that offers multiple services in one app, including cryptocurrency trading, utility bill payments, and fiat transactions, to manage your financial life seamlessly.

2. Integrate Crypto Payments Early

Africa is rapidly growing as a crypto market. Zabira allows businesses to accept Bitcoin, Ethereum, and USDT, facilitating real-time trading of crypto assets. This gives businesses a competitive advantage in international commerce, particularly with diasporan clients.

3. Get Paid Instantly, No delay

Waiting three to five business days for payment to clear can disrupt cash flow. Zabira offers instant fiat payments through a robust blockchain system, allowing businesses to move money quickly, pay suppliers faster, and avoid telling customers to “wait till Monday.”

4. Opt for a user-friendly app

Zabira is incredibly easy to use, with no confusing menus or hidden steps. Users can download the app on Android and on iOS.

5. Offer More Than Just Products

Zabira offers more than money transfers; users can top up airtime and data, pay cable bills, and fund betting wallets within the app. Businesses can learn to add value beyond just selling products.


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Onafriq and Circle Partner to Revolutionize Cross-Border Payments in Africa with USDC

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Onafriq, Africa’s largest payments gateway, and Circle, stablecoin market leader and issuer of USDC, today announced their strategic partnership aimed at transforming cross-border payments and digital financial services.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards compliantly leveraging stablecoins and blockchain infrastructure to boost Onafriq’s payment network, positioning it at the forefront of the digital payment’s revolution for real-world financial applications.

Currently, over 80 percent of intra-African payments are routed through correspondent banks outside the continent and settled in foreign currencies such as the US dollar or Euro. This results in a staggering US$5 billion in transaction fees annually and undermines economic integration efforts.

Onafriq and Circle are working together to change this paradigm by piloting the use of USDC-powered settlement solutions into Onafriq’s network, which connects over 500 wallets and 200 million bank accounts in more than 40 African markets.

Onafriq’s founder and CEO, Dare Okoudjou, said: “Our partnership with Circle is an important milestone, reinforcing Onafriq’s commitment to harnessing technology to remove complexity from cross-border payments. By integrating USDC, we aim to simplify financial transactions for institutions and individuals, reduce costs, and strengthen trust.

This collaboration underscores our vision to democratise access to payments and drive financial inclusion across the globe. We’re not just envisioning the future of payments – we’re actively building it.”

Miriam Kiwan, Vice President, Middle East & Africa at Circle, said: “The emerging markets that Onafriq serves hold tremendous potential for digital asset innovation, particularly in the adoption of stablecoins for cross-border payments.

“Our partnership with Onafriq aligns perfectly with Circle’s mission to promote financial inclusion and improve efficiency in areas where traditional banking has often been costly and inaccessible.

“Together, we aim to transform how money moves across borders, offering secure and transparent digital payment rails that enhance economic empowerment and connectivity.”

This collaboration is a major step toward a more inclusive and self-reliant pan-African financial system. It signals a new phase in the modernisation of African payment rails – one where blockchain technology is applied responsibly, in lockstep with regulators and financial institutions, to build a faster, more efficient, and economically empowering future for the continent.


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