E-Business
Ekeh Urges FG to Grant Tax Concessions to Save Tech Sector

Leo Stan Ekeh, serial digital entrepreneur and chairman of Zinox Group has charged the Federal Government to seriously consider extending exceptional tax concessions to the technology sector as a means of encouraging the huge undoubted youthful potential in the sector to create a new economy.
According to Ekeh, the tech sector that is driving leading economies in the world, is struggling seriously in Nigeria.
And in spite of the great and sincere efforts of the present administration, the Nigerian economy is also fatigued as a result of its predominantly analogue nature.
In his opinion, millions of Nigerian youths nurse big dreams and have the capacity to thrive in a new and futuristic economy that is technology-driven, but urgently need government support in terms of structured capital and tax concession during their incubation period.
Ekeh affirmed that these young men and women have globally certified education and need the right environment to exhibit their capacity, noting that if the country cannot provide it, the situation will create unfortunate ones who would resort to scientific robbery, kidnapping and many other vices. He also warned that the nation may not experience all-inclusive peace until we provide for these brilliant kids.
The Zinox chairman made this call at the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards held at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Friday, February 23rd 2018.
In attendance at the event was a host of dignitaries from the public and private sectors including former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, several serving Governors including Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose; Rivers’ State Governor, Nyesom Wike; Governor of Kebbi state, Abubakar Bagudu and the Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson. Also present was the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, Senators Dino Melaye and Ademola Adeleke as well as Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila. Others include Chief Abba Folawiyo, Senator Daisy Danjuma, Lady Maiden Ibru and Stella Chinyelu Okoli, among others.
Ekeh, who received the Extraordinary Business Achievement Award at the event, disclosed that globally, technology has become the driving force behind the fortunes of many nations.
According to him, the 10 richest men in the world and the biggest companies in the world today can all be found in the technology sector – a reality that shows how technology remains the only profession that can help Nigeria bridge the gap between it and other advanced countries in the world.
“Technology is the only profession in the world today that can make the son of the poorest man the richest man in the world. Though still struggling, I am a practical testimony of the possibilities in the sector, having led several technology teams that deployed in Iraq, Libya, Guinea Bissau, etc. However, I am still Nigeria-based. It is not just its lifestyle nature but technology is the only profession in world today in which you can experience miracle wealth. Our kids have read, seen and worked in tech companies or tech-driven companies in the world that became multi-billion dollar companies within five years and they are smarter than many of these foreign entrepreneurs but their only sin is that they are Nigerians and living in Nigeria.
“I have experienced this frustration for over 30 years and it is too late for me to complain. These kids are 21st Century youths and the majority of them are not interested in agriculture and will never be forced to adopt it because of its unstructured nature. Youths today are faith-driven and can anticipate the future better than their parents and leaders. My research shows that over 85% of them would rather prefer to make money only from tech-driven platforms which certifies them as global citizens or do nothing.”
Continuing, Ekeh disclosed that, “If the Federal Government of Nigeria can invest 20% of what she has invested in the Agricultural sector in the Tech sector, over 75% of present unemployed youths would become employed or self-employed in a profession that has a future. I am not against investment in the Agricultural sector, but it is a sector of extreme passion today due to its present analogue nature. Our leaders should ask their children who trained in quality institutions if any of them would want to do farming, for example. I’m sure the answer you will get is 100% NO. So, who do you expect his child to go into farming? Farming is good, but it is a profession of passion. You can’t force a young man or woman to farm,” he declared.
While commending the government and its agencies, especially the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for improving the tax revenue base of the country, Ekeh pleaded with the Federal Government to encourage a new and prosperous economy by allowing entrepreneurs in the ICT sector a decent tax-free period of at least ten years – an incentive that will see Nigeria prosper immensely in the technology front.
“If this is granted, this country will experience, within the next five years, an army of tech billionaires whose one year tax payments shall significantly be more than our present ten years’ collections. We must see the bigger picture and prepare for tomorrow instead of frustrating people at incubation period. IT companies in today’s Nigeria are the poorest corporates and slowly disappearing – a situation which I find very unfortunate. Tech kids are restless and need time to develop, experiment and deliver products into the market successfully. Most times you succeed with one out of the thirty you invested money and time in. It takes time to stabilize in a country that is not digitally-driven. I am in a better position to tell this story because I have been in same sector for over 30 years. The sector is full of hype because it is a youth-dominated profession and when the FIRS personnel read, they come to the conclusion that you are a multi-billionaire and then go after your company.
“I plead with the Federal Government to grant tax concessions to the technology sector. Tech guys have the potential to create sustainable wealth and transform this country for good. I challenge the people in government, including the few present here such as the Deputy Senate President, distinguished senators and several Governors.”
Ekeh, who heaped praises on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele and his team for protecting the economy from failure during the recent economic recession, also called on him to intervene in the IT sector more than he has done in the Agricultural sector by extending support to millions of young Nigerians yearning for an opportunity to transform the fortunes of the country.
“I advise him to have a simple conversation with his kids during breakfast and see where their faith for decent future belongs.”
He rounded off by encouraging the younger generation to remain focused in a brighter future.
“Having done this for the past 35 years as a disruptive digital entrepreneur in Africa, I can only encourage the younger ones here. When I look at the global figures and the stock market, the biggest enterprises in the world are tech companies. It tells me there is a future for you, so do not be discouraged,” he concluded.
Arguably Africa’s biggest technology entrepreneur, Ekeh has built the Zinox Group into a foremost integrated ICT conglomerate with a 360-degree spectrum orientation and advanced competencies in manufacturing, software development, distribution, core and enterprise ICT solutions, retail and after-sales support, among others.
His recent acquisition of e-commerce giants, Konga – a development that is widely expected to raise the profile of e-commerce in the country – has further gone a long way to show the far-reaching ambitions of Ekeh who launched BuyRight Africa, Nigeria’s first e-commerce company about 10 years ago.
E-Business
BPP Partners NDPC to Strengthen Data Protection

Dr Adebowale Adedokun, director-general, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), has reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to data protection in Nigeria.
He disclosed this in a statement at the weekend by Zira Nagga, head of Public Relations, BPP, following a courtesy visit by a delegation from the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Adedokun stressed that data protection is vital to Nigeria’s economy and development, particularly in areas such as demography, health, education, and other key sectors.
He emphasised that no country should leave its data unprotected, as it plays a crucial role in future planning and national development.
“Data governs the world. It is essential to technological progress and must be protected for a country or business to be taken seriously,” he said.
Adedokun described the visit, aimed at fostering partnership on data policy implementation and protection, as timely and aligned with national goals.
He said the BPP would collaborate closely with the NDPC to boost data development, capacity building, and enhance the procurement system.
“The BPP will support compliance as part of the ‘Nigeria First’ Policy, although it is not a core procurement eligibility requirement,” he explained.
He suggested a hybrid training model to help build strong capacity in data protection, privacy awareness, and policy understanding.
According to him, a dynamic training approach will reduce logistics costs and improve public confidence in data safety and privacy.
Dr Vincent Olatunji, CEO, and national commissioner, NDPC, praised Adedokun and the BPP for supporting data protection initiatives.
He said the partnership supports President Bola Tinubu’s vision and will strengthen data privacy across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“The collaboration will create awareness and train BPP staff to ensure a firm grasp of data protection principles and policies,” he stated.
Olatunji said the NDPC would establish a working group to finalise a Memorandum of Understanding beneficial to both institutions.
He added that President Tinubu signed the NDPC into law on 12 June 2023 to uphold citizens’ rights and protect national and business data.
Olatunji also noted that strict legal measures were in place to enforce data protection and ensure full compliance nationwide.
Both agencies agreed to form a team to sign the MoU and focus on capacity building and data management in procurement and beyond.
E-Business
FG Mulls Fibre Optic Layout to Bridge Internet Gaps

President Bola Tinubu said that his administration has initiated a project to install fibre optic cables across the country, aimed at enhancing the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
His plans were contained in a speech he delivered at a joint session of the National Assembly in commemoration of Democracy Day on Thursday, June 12.
He said the fibre optic layout is part of other projects being embarked on.
“In addition, we have embarked on an ambitious project to lay fibre optic cables across the nation, a transformative step toward bridging the digital divide and fostering greater connectivity.
“This initiative promises not only to enhance the speed and reliability of internet access but also to revolutionise how businesses operate, how students learn, and how communities stay connected,” Tinubu stated.
He maintained that by extending this critical infrastructure, his government is empowering entrepreneurs, enabling digital education, and providing the tools for our youth to compete in a globalised world.
In a most recent report on Internet connectivity, The ICIR pointed out how Nigeria has faced setbacks in its deployment of fibre optic cables and needs a transformation.
The challenges revolve around vandalism, inadequate coordination between road construction and telecom infrastructure, and varying right-of-way (RoW) charges across states.
Among industry experts, these issues impact network outages, increase repair costs, and hinder broadband expansion efforts.
It has also further threatened the digital economy, leading to slower Internet speeds, dropped calls, and unreliable connectivity among others.
E-Business
African Startups Raised $345m in Funding in May

African startups raised more than $345 million across 65 deals in May, more than double the amount raised in the same period of last year, according to a report by Briter, a research and business intelligence firm.
The report disclosed that both the number of deals and participating companies declined, confirming a growing trend of fewer companies raising funds in larger sizes.
It said fintech attracted the highest share of funding in May, accounting for 34 percent of the total, while cleantech followed closely, driven by a debt deal from Sun King. The company raised $80 million (in local currency) to expand clean energy access in Nigeria.
“Equity remains the primary instrument in terms of total value. There’s no doubt about it; in fact, equity deals with disclosed amounts captured more than half of the total funding volume in May.
“However, debt financing is increasingly proving its weight. Although it accounted for only 8 percent of all deals, it represented 32 percent of the total funding, highlighting the typically larger size of debt transactions. With the rise of specialised vehicles targeting early-stage businesses, debt is becoming an increasingly important part of Africa’s innovation funding landscape,” it said.
Briter’s report added that grants continued to play a vital role in early-stage support, especially in the education technology (EdTech) sector. The Mastercard Foundation led the pack in grant activity, funding a new cohort of EdTech innovators in Nigeria and Kenya. Each selected startup is set to receive $100,000 in grant funding, in addition to mentorship and business development support.
Multilaterals also made a strong showing in May, it said. The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), a World Bank Group member, issued a $179.6 million guarantee to CleanTech firm KOKO Networks. The support will help scale its clean energy solutions across Kenya.
“This deal not only demonstrates growing international confidence in African climate ventures but also signals a promising pathway for other asset-intensive startups in clean cooking, agriculture, and renewable energy,” the report said.
From a geographic perspective, Egypt emerged as the continent’s fundraising powerhouse for the month, contributing 51 percent of all funding raised. The country recorded 12 deals across equity, debt, and bond instruments. Notably, FinTech platform MNT-Halan raised $50 million through a bond issuance, further illustrating the diversification of capital-raising mechanisms in the region.
Outside Egypt, funding was distributed across Africa’s three other key markets, which are Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya, with limited activity recorded in countries such as Ghana, Tunisia, Morocco, and Uganda, each registering between one and three deals.
In terms of exits, the African tech landscape continues to mature. Three companies—Baobab+, Qardy, and Shopa—were acquired in May, bringing the total number of exits this year to 22. This already surpasses last year’s count for the same period. Qardy was acquired by Catalyst Partners Middle East (CPME) in a disclosed deal valued at $23 million, the report added.
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