Zinox Technologies, Nigeria’s premier technology company, founded by Forbes Best of Africa’s Leading Tech Icon Leo Stan Ekeh, marked its 23rd anniversary.

Established in 2001, Zinox has been at the forefront of providing advanced technology solutions in the country and across the continent. Zinox was created to fill a significant void in Nigeria’s ICT sector, offering the nation a digital identity and leading as the first indigenous ICT powerhouse to design and manufacture internationally certified computers from Nigeria.

Ekeh, a visionary entrepreneur, has been instrumental in driving Zinox’s success. Recognized for his leadership and contributions to the tech industry, he was awarded the Icon of Hope and Model to the Youth by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2001.

Over the years, Zinox has achieved numerous pioneering accomplishments, becoming the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in Sub-Saharan Africa to receive Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Lab Certification (WHQL) on computing and devices. The company spearheaded the rollout of the largest single e-education, e-health, and campus-wide network on the continent, establishing itself as a leader in advancing digital infrastructure.

Zinox’s innovative approach led to its distinction as the first Microsoft Prime Production Online Automation Partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with the OA Version 3.0 and the first Intel Premium Partner in the region.

Notably, Zinox is also the first OEM in West Africa to attain the ISO 9001-2015 Certification and the first to acquire the Google Mobile Application Distribution Agreement (MADA) in West Africa. The company’s impressive achievements include being the first OEM in Nigeria to introduce renewable energy and lifestyle products and becoming an Intel Platinum Partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Under the auspices of Mr Ekeh, Zinox’s impact on technology and society has garnered widespread recognition. The company was named Pioneer ICT Company of the Year in 2021 by the National Information Technology Merit Awards, and it has consistently received accolades for innovation and excellence. The Foxconn IT Global Platinum Award for the Zinox Zpad in 2014, the Intel Global Award for Mobile Computing in Africa and the Middle East in 2012, and the ICT Excellence Award by the Nigerian Computer Society in 2013 are just a few of the numerous honours bestowed upon the company.

Over its 23-year history, Zinox has also made significant contributions to Africa. The company has played a crucial role in redefining the democratic process in Nigeria, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau. Through its innovative products and solutions, Zinox has transformed these countries from analog to digital governance.

The company delivered Africa’s largest single ICT election rollout, introducing Direct Data Capture machines to the electoral process. Zinox was the official computer provider for the 17th Africa Union Summit held in Gambia in 2006, further solidifying its commitment to driving technological progress on the continent.

Zinox’s commitment to integrity and digital transparency has earned it the trust of its customers and partners. The company was exclusively selected to provide the IT tools needed for the yet-to-be-conducted 2023 census in Nigeria, showcasing its expertise and reliability.

As Zinox celebrates its 23rd anniversary, it continues to diversify its product lineup, positively disrupting new industries and meeting the needs of millions across Africa. Beyond laptops, desktops, and tablets, Zinox’s innovative offerings now include alternative power solutions such as inverters, solar panels, batteries, and other energy-efficient technologies. In addition, the company offers home and kitchen essentials like smart TVs, microwaves, and fans, all designed to provide convenience and peace of mind to customers.

Zinox’s extensive range of solutions includes AI and Robotics, Fibre Optics Broadband and Satellite Networks, Cloud Computing, Renewable Energy, Advanced Biometrics and e-voting systems, E-Libraries, and E-Health systems. Each of these solutions represents Zinox’s dedication to transforming lives and fostering sustainable development across Africa.

The success of the tech company can be credited to the visionary leadership of its founder, the dedicated board of directors, and Mrs. Kelechi Okonta, the Managing Director, whose efforts have led to the creation of other international brands.

As Zinox looks toward the future, its commitment to tech innovation and excellence remains steadfast. With a legacy of breaking new ground and setting industry standards, Zinox continues to uphold its mission to provide Nigerians and the African continent with world-class technological solutions.

Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has disclosed that the Agency’s partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has put Nigeria’s Startup ecosystem on the global map.

He made this statement during a meeting with JICA President, Dr. Akihiko Tanaka when he visited the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR) in Abuja, a Special Purpose Vehicle office established by NITDA.

While highlighting the impact of the Agency’s partnership with JICA Inuwa, stated that “Through this collaboration, we have sponsored Nigerian startups to participate in tech exhibitions and conferences across Africa and the Middle East.

“Additionally, we’ve connected them with Japanese corporations, such as Mitsubishi, resulting in Training for 112 startup founders from 56 companies and creation of over 300 direct jobs in Nigeria

He said, “Established in 2001, NITDA’s mandate is to implement the national IT policy. At inception, less than 500,000 Nigerians had access to computers. Today, we have made significant progress in bridging the digital divide.” He noted that there is significant growth in Nigeria’s ICT sector, from less than 0.5 per cent to over 16 per cent of GDP, with 120 million citizens now having computer access.

Inuwa, citing the World Bank research predicting a global talent deficit of 85 million by 2030, potentially leading to $8.5 trillion in lost annual value, he, however, suggested that to bridge this looming gap, “A strategic talent pipeline between Nigeria and Japan can leverage Nigeria’s youthful population to address Japan’s aging workforce challenges, creating a symbiotic partnership.”

He noted that NITDA has articulated its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0). Outlining the eight key pillars to drive Nigeria’s digital transformation, the NITDA boss emphasized that while Fostering Digital Literacy and Cultivating, which will drive the development of a skilled workforce to drive Nigeria’s digital economy, Building of a Robust Technology Research Ecosystem will encourage innovation and R&D in emerging technologies.

The NITDA boss said, “The Agency also plans to strengthen policy implementation and legal framework, promoting inclusive access to digital infrastructure and services, strengthen cybersecurity, enhance digital trust and nurture an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem and build a  strategic partnership and collaboration.

He added that the Agency will focus on internal transformation and reforms so the agency can be more agile and have an environment that is psychologically safe for everyone to contribute.

“Internally, NITDA is undergoing transformational reforms to enhance agility and foster a psychologically safe work environment, encouraging active contribution from all stakeholders.”

In his remarks, Dr. Tanaka praised NITDA’s dedication, stating that partnering with NITDA was a wise decision due to its vital role in global development.

He emphasized that co-creation is JICA’s guiding principle, adding that the approach aligns with JICA’s mission to collaborate with organisations like NITDA to drive growth and address global challenges.

“Co-creation is the overarching principle guiding our activities, especially in harnessing information technology to drive sustainable development. Additionally, JICA acknowledges Nigeria’s proactive strides in advancing information technology and Artificial Intelligence, and we are committed to collaborating on these endeavours,” he noted.

While stressing that the strategic application of these technologies will foster a surge in startup creation among young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, he advocated for harnessing the creative potential of young engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that enhance societal well-being.

Okra, Nigerian fintech startu, has launched a new cloud infrastructure service, making it the latest of several startups in the country that aim to provide a local alternative to cloud giants like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure.

David Peterside and Ashiru Jituboh, Okra

According to a post on LinkedIn, Okra’s “Nebula” is an infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) offering built on Tier 3 and Tier 4 data centres.

Okra said the service offers low latency and reliability “on par with global players like AWS and Azure” with less than two hours downtime a year.

Okra also said Nebula is specifically designed to comply with local data residency laws.

However, the biggest selling point is that Nebula customers can pay in naira or other local currencies “for predictable and more affordable rates.”

That’s a key provision for companies in Nigeria (as well as other countries in Africa) where currency devaluation and fluctuating foreign currency exchange rates often have a serious impact on the bottom line. Foreign cloud providers typically charge only in US dollars.

Fara Ashiru,CEO, Okra, said in the LinkedIn post that Nebula presents a viable and cost-effective alternative to AWS and Azure, who currently dominate Nigeria’s cloud market.

“For too long, Africa has leaned on imported solutions, paying premiums for software and services – but as we say, ‘Yes, there is rice at home!’,” she said. “And now, there’s a cloud built here, for us, and it’s just as good – if not better.”

Ashiru added that Okra’s own infrastructure is already using Nebula. “The first round of access is already with our incredible partners. The next round opens soon.”

Okra first announced plans for Nebula in July after securing US$16.5 million in funding and the backing of VC firm TLcom.

Okra got its start offering open APIs for banks and financial service providers to access customer data, but decided to shift its focus to cloud infrastructure as the open-banking market was too small and competitive, according to African investment firm Daba.

Okra also faces healthy competition in Nigeria’s cloud market from startups like Nobus, Galaxy and Layer3, all of whom are also positioning themselves as an alternative to AWS and Azure and offering payment in local currencies.