GRTech
Top organisations win maiden Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH) awards
Layer3, Rack Centre, Cloudflex Computing, Notion Technology, Medallion, Zoho, Digital Encode make the roll call of 2021 AfriTECH Awardees, reports SANDRA ANI
Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH) organisers have recognized outstanding organizations for driving creative, innovative solutions and products to enhance Africa’s digital economy.
The eight (8) award winners across different categories were honoured at Africa Tech Alliance Forum 2021 (AfriTECH2021), held in Lagos.
The hybrid Forum provided opportunity for inter-sectorial cross-fertilization of ideas on economic impacts of COVID-19 on digital transformation on Businesses and way forward with critical look at Boosting digital infrastructure for Cloud Hosting; Digital tools for education & reskilling African youth; CyberSecurity: Pushing for Privacy & Data Protection; and Harnessing Blockchain Technology for Digital Economy Growth.
The 2021 winners of AfriTECH Awards are:
- Hybrid Cloud Services Achiever Award – Galaxy Backbone Limited
- Most Efficient Data Centre of the Year -Rack Centre
- Data Protection Compliance Organisation of the Year – Digital Encode Limited
- Business Intelligence (BI) Software Company of the Year – Zoho Corporation
- Cloud Innovator of the Year – Layer3
- Best Cloud Infrastructure Company of the Year – Cloudflex Computing Services Ltd
- Digital Transformation Project Award – Notion Technology Limited
- ICT Infrastructure Provider (Data Centre) of the Year – Medallion
- Africa Tech Alliance Forum Convener’s Award – Olatomiwa Williams
1. Hybrid Cloud Services Achiever Award presented to Galaxy Backbone Limited.
Galaxy Backbone Limited is an ICT services provider; wholly owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria and has the official mandate to build and operate a single nation-wide IT infrastructure platform to provide network services to all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Galaxy Backbone Award
L-r: Dr. Ayotunde Coker, managing director, Rack Centre presenting the AfriTECH Award to Timi Fadeyi, head DataCentre at Galaxy Backbone and his colleague
Galaxy Backbone Limited drives national development through the provision of a pervasive ICT infrastructure and services to public institutions and under-served communities.
2. Rack Centre – Most Efficient Data Centre of the Year.
Founded in 2012, Rack Centre is the only carrier neutral Tier III Constructed Facility Certified data centre in Africa and focuses solely on providing best in class data centre colocation services and unrestricted interconnect between carriers and customers.
This gives customers a technically superior, physically more secure and lower cost environment for their information systems.
Rack Centre’s carrier neutrality allows customers to manage traffic to get better value, lower latency and higher resilience, and creates an open market for partnerships between customers, networks, cloud and content providers, the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria and managed service providers.
Rack Centre clients include 40 telecommunication carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), global Tier 1 networks and pan Africa international carriers, including direct connection to all 5 undersea cables serving the South Atlantic Coast of Africa and every country on the Atlantic coast of Africa.
3. Digital Encode Limited – Data Protection Compliance Organisation of the Year
Digital Encode is a leading consulting and integration firm founded in 2003 that specializes in the design, management, and security of business-critical networks, telecommunications environments and other Information Technology (IT) infrastructures.
Digital Encode award at AfriTECH2021
L-r: Dr. Ayotunde Coker, managing director, Rack Centre presenting the AfriTECH Award to Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, Co-founder/CTO, Digital Encode
Digital Encode is one of the few companies certified by the Nigerian government through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO).
Recognized in the industry for its vendor independent perspective the firm’s expertise lies in solving multifaceted, complex enterprise network security and audit problems.
At Digital Encode, technology serves two purposes: to save money and solve a problem.
Digital Encode also provides advisory services toward improvements in Information Security Management, Network Security, Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, Computer Forensics, Risk Management and Business Continuity Management.
Digital Encode unique methodology is rooted in the concept that a company should run its IT organization as a business.
Throughout the well-defined process, Digital Encode translates strategic business objectives into sound, achievable technology solutions.
This approach ensures that the technology never obscures the business goals.
4. Zoho Corporation – Business Intelligence (BI) Software Company of the Year
Zoho is popular project management and #CRM software that needs no introduction.
Zoho At AfriTech2021:
L-r: Dr. Ayotunde Coker, MD, Rack centre presenting Business Intelligence (BI) Software Company of the Year to Zoho Corp as received by Kehinde Seun Ogundare, country manager of Zoho (Nigeria)
Be it multi-channel communication, taking care of multiple tasks, CRM insights – Zoho offers a host of features that can easily cater to the needs of large as well as small enterprises.
With 50+ apps in nearly every major business category, including sales, marketing, customer support, accounting and back-office operations, and an array of productivity and collaboration tools, Zoho Corporation is one of the world’s most prolific software companies.
Zoho is privately held and profitable with more than 9,000 employees. It is headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international headquarters in Chennai, India. Additional offices are in the United States, India, Japan, China, Singapore, Mexico, Australia, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates.
Zoho respects user privacy and does not have an ad-revenue model in any part of its business, including its free products.
More than 60 million users around the world, across hundreds of thousands of companies, rely on Zoho every day to run their businesses, including Zoho itself.
5. Layer3 – Cloud Innovator of the Year
The team at Layer3 aims to remain at the forefront of the clients’ business transformation ambitions. Combining knowledge of world-class technology solutions in addition to their partnership with some of the global technology providers, Layer3 delivers exceptional value for the clients.
The solutions cut across all sectors and include the innovation of the data center, software, server & storage systems, mobile device management, security & network infrastructure solutions and access solutions including broadband and VPN services.
L-r: Dr. Ayotunde Coker, managing director, Rack Centre presenting award to Layer3’s representative
The success of Layer3’s customers is always paramount in the minds and the culture drives them to work closely with the clients to truly understand the business and ICT needs.
The Company continuously builds strategic partnerships with global technology leaders that enable them to deploy solutions that minimize risks, maximize flexibility and optimize the use of capital with results that exceed our customers’ expectations.
Layer3 runs a 24/7 network management and support center that allows the team to provide round the clock remote monitoring and support services for the customers’ IT and network infrastructure as well as the expansive metro fiber network infrastructure guaranteeing optimal performance and quick fault resolutions.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Nigeria, Layer3’s services are available in several African countries and they have a large pool of some of the most technically certified and experienced experts within the region.
6. Cloudflex Computing Services Ltd – Best Cloud Infrastructure Company of the Year
CloudFlex Computing Limited is Nigeria’s leading Enterprise local cloud service Provider. We are the first choice of Cloud Solutions and managed data services for local and Global businesses with great ambitions.
Cloudflex Computing Award at AfriTECH2021
L-r: Dr. Ayotunde Coker, managing director, Rack Centre presenting the AfriTECH Award to Mr. Remi Adejumo, CEO Cloudflex Computing Service Limited.
Cloudflex offers Information Technology as a service (Cloud services, Co-location, Managed solutions, Backup services, Disaster Recovery etc.), and support for diverse infrastructure needs by providing Industry-specific Solutions.
The Company is based on the principle of developing and delivering top of the line Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) solutions to meet the needs of the existing and prospective clients.
7. Notion Technology Limited – Digital Transformation Project Award
If you are looking for perfect IT services for your business, YOU JUST FOUND Notion Technologies; the representative of American #1 technology company – Comway and Hsv Products in Nigeria.
The company’s vision is simply put as: “To be the one-stop enterprise for resolving information and telecommunication technology connections problems through intelligent, consistent, innovative, high-skill technical efforts bringing about products and services that ensure customers satisfaction and joy”.
Their beliefs are in the capabilities, experience and the passion for rendering intelligent technological solutions in the ICT Sector in Nigeria and beyond indeed necessitate the birth and continuous existence of NTL.
Notion Technology is piloted by an experienced and very intelligent technical team of proven skills, capabilities and par excellence technological designs for the ICT/Telecom Industry in Nigeria.
The ensure services rendered are finished to the highest quality. Notion Technology offers Designing, Procuring, Installation and Maintenance of very precise and Reliable Fibre Optic Technology, Networking (Wireless or Fixed), VSAT Technology, Private Automatic Branch Exchange (PABX) Communication System, Security Systems that include CCTV, IP Surveillance Camera, Access Control, Intruder alert etc, Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) and sales of relevant and related equipment.
Notion Technology Award
L-r: Dr. Ayotunde Coker, managing director, Rack Centre presenting the AfriTECH Award to Mr. Gbenga Nana, Managing Director/CEO, Notion Technology, the representative of American #1 technology company – Comway and Hsv Products in Nigeria.
To simply put it, NTL makes intelligent and innovative connections and interactions possible for businesses.
Using the best technology available, Notion Technologies integrate voice, data and video applications into specialized solutions designed for our clients’ usage that ensure a seamless communication experience within and outside their organizations keeping them happy, satisfied and thrilled.
8. Medallion – ICT Infrastructure Provider (Data Centre) of the Year
Interconnection is the linking of the networks of two or more service providers thus enabling the subscribers on one network to access the subscribers of the other networks.
In a multi-operator environment, seamless interconnection is the most important factor that could affect the growth of the industry.
Medallion Award at AfriTECH2021
L-r: Dr. Ayotunde Coker, managing director, Rack Centre presenting the AfriTECH Award to Medallion representative at the event
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) estimates that in most telecom environments, at least 60% of all traffic is interconnected.
Medallion Communications Incorporated – (MCL) is the product of structured collaboration between technocrats with versatile exposures and competences in the telecommunication industry.
The company was founded with the vision of bridging the digital divide between the developing and the developed economies of the world.
Olatomiwa Williams, the country manager, Microsoft Nigeria received Africa Tech Alliance Forum Convener’s Award. Ola presented the keynote address at this year’s award.
He said that the AfriTECH Award was instituted as part of AfriTECH Forum to celebrate organisations making an impact on the African economy.
L-r: Olatomiwa Williams, country manager, Microsoft Nigeria and keynote speaker at AfriTECH2021 receiving the Convener’s award presented by Engr. Oluwatoyin Asaju, director, Spectrum Administration at NCC
Commenting on the awards and recognition, Peter Oluka, the Editor, TechEconomy.ng congratulated the winners for their high performances in the respective areas of focus which if weaved together form a web of innovations for economic and business developments and growth.
He said that the AfriTECH Award was instituted as part of the AfriTECH Forum to celebrate organisations making an impact on the African economy.
“The maiden AfriTECH Awards 2021 applauds the amazing work of the organisations across private and public sectors.
“Congratulations to all the winners. It is amazing to hear and feel the so many amazing innovations these companies project despite the novel pandemic that ravaged the global economy in the year 2019; the impacts are still there. We at TechEconomy.ng as AfriTECH Forum organisers are very proud of your innovations”. Oluka said.
GRTech
Identity Management Day: Sophos Warns Against Data Breaches Linked to Identity Theft
REPORTER: Sandra Ani
79% of data breaches are linked to identity theft and cost businesses an average of $4.5 million, according to reports from the Identity Defined Security Alliance (IDSA) and the Ponemon Institute.
Additionally, the 2025 edition of the Sophos Active Adversary Report reveals that the average time between the start of an attack and data exfiltration is only 72.98 hours (3.04 days), while the average time between exfiltration and attack detection is just 2.7 hours.
Cyberattacks are becoming increasingly fast, and the longer a compromised identity remains active, the greater the potential damage.
In light of this, Sophos, one of the world’s leading providers of innovative security solutions designed to neutralize cyberattacks, is taking advantage of Identity Management Day, which takes place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, to remind businesses of the best practices they should follow to manage and secure digital identities.
Cybercriminals can use a compromised identity to access confidential information, steal data, move laterally within the organization, and launch further attacks.
It is therefore crucial to take immediate action to contain breaches and minimize their consequences.
In this context, automation plays a key role by enabling organizations to respond quickly and effectively to identity-related threats.
Five Automated Measures to Protect Against Identity Theft
1. Disable the User
When an identity breach is detected, one of the first steps is to disable the compromised user account. By preventing the attacker from using the stolen identity to access company systems and data, this measure outpaces the hacker and helps contain the breach.
Automation significantly speeds up this process. With automated response tools, businesses can quickly identify compromised accounts and disable them in real-time. This reduces the attack window and minimizes potential damage.
2. Force Password Reset
Passwords are often the first line of defense against unauthorized access attempts. In the event of an identity breach, it is essential to immediately force a password reset for the compromised account to prevent hackers from using stolen credentials.
Automated rules can be set up to trigger an instant password reset as soon as a breach is detected. This saves time and ensures that the reset process is initiated without delay, reducing the risk of further unauthorized access attempts.
3. Force Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Reset
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a verification code in addition to their password. If an identity breach occurs, it is crucial to reset MFA for the compromised account. This means that the user will have to re-authenticate using their MFA tool, which automatically invalidates any stolen authentication tokens the attacker may have acquired.
Automated rules can trigger the refresh of MFA tokens, ensuring that compromised accounts are quickly reauthenticated. This prevents cybercriminals from using stolen authentication tokens to access company systems.
4. Lock the Account
Locking a compromised account prevents hackers from attempting to use it until the issue is resolved. This also gives the organization time to investigate the breach and apply the necessary corrective measures.
Automation streamlines the account locking process, allowing businesses to lock compromised accounts as soon as a breach is detected. This immediate response helps contain the breach and blocks further unauthorized access attempts.
5. Revoke Active Sessions
In addition to disabling the user account and forcing a password reset, it is essential to revoke all active sessions associated with the compromised identity. This ensures that the attacker is immediately logged out of all systems they accessed using stolen credentials.
Automated actions can be configured to revoke active sessions in real-time, instantly disrupting any unauthorized access. This is a critical measure to neutralize the breach and prevent further malicious activity.
For more information, please visit: https://www.secureworks.com/blog/5-critical-response-actions-for-an-identity-breach
GRTech
Samsung Expands Accessibility with Local Language Integration on Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 Devices
By SANDRA ANI
Samsung Electronics has taken a bold step in enhancing user experience and inclusivity by introducing Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba as official language options on selected Samsung Galaxy devices.
The feature, which is now available on the Galaxy S25, A56, A36, and A26 devices, reaffirms Samsung’s commitment to delivering innovative technology that speaks the language of its users.
With this groundbreaking update, Samsung users across Nigeria can now navigate their smartphones in their preferred local language, making technology more accessible, while also upholding our cultural heritage.
A Celebration of Culture and Technology
To mark the launch, Samsung hosted a cultural-themed press briefing featuring traditional music, local cuisine, and a showcase of the new language feature. Employees and guests attended in traditional Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa attires, celebrating Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.
Samsung also announced plans to expand local language support to more devices in the near future, reinforcing its dedication to making technology more inclusive for African users.
Empowering Users Through Language
The integration of Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba on Samsung devices reflects the brand’s mission to bridge the digital gap and enhance user engagement. Speaking at the press conference, Oge Maduagwu, Head of Marketing, Samsung Electronics West Africa, said, “At Samsung, we understand that technology is most powerful when it is accessible to all. By incorporating our local Nigerian languages, we are making our devices more intuitive and relatable, ensuring that millions of Nigerians can interact with their smartphones in the language they love and understand best”.
Seamless Language Transition on Galaxy Devices
Stephen Okwara, Head of Product Management, Samsung Electronics West Africa added, “The new local language feature is designed to deliver a seamless user experience, allowing customers to easily switch between languages. Users can activate Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba on the Galaxy S25, A26, A36, and A56 by navigating to:
Settings > Language & Input > Select Language
“This update enhances smartphone usability, particularly for those who prefer their native language over English, ensuring greater digital inclusivity, enhancing digital literacy and encouraging more users to engage with technology in their native tongues”, he concluded.
Availability
Customers can visit all Samsung Experience Stores or authorized retailers in Nigeria to learn more and experience the feature firsthand.
TechNews
NITDA DG Inaugurates National Technical Working Group on Cloud Infrastructure
REPORTER: Sandra Ani
In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the Technical Working Group (TWG) on National Cloud Infrastructure.
This initiative aims to enhance local cloud capabilities, attract hyper-scale investments, and position Nigeria as a leading technology hub in Africa.
Speaking at the inauguration, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, emphasised the need for accurate data and regulatory frameworks to support these initiatives, necessary for Nigeria to control its digital infrastructure, data, and technological future noting that,
“Without this foundation, we cannot achieve true digital sovereignty. Our goal is to build an ecosystem where both local data centre providers can scale, and global hyper-scalers see Nigeria as a viable investment destination.”
While identifying lack of accurate data on Nigeria’s IT infrastructure as significant challenge, Inuwa noted that while Africa comprises nearly 19% of the world’s population, it hosts less than 1% of global data centres.
“This disparity, coupled with limited insights into Nigeria’s existing IT capacity, hampers investment efforts and without clear data on our infrastructure, attracting investment becomes challenging,” he said.
The NITDA boss maintained that, to address this, NITDA commissioned comprehensive research to assess Nigeria’s digital landscape which findings have highlighted the need for improved regulatory frameworks, clearer investment incentives, and stronger public-private collaboration. He added that subsequently upon this, NITDA has engaged global consultants to redefine strategies for cloud development.
As the TWG embarks on its mission, NITDA urges industry experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to contribute their expertise and resources. “With collective effort, Nigeria can emerge as the premier digital hub for West and Central Africa,” Inuwa concluded.
While corroborating the Director General’s point of views, Acting Director of Regulation and Compliance, Barrister Emmanuel Edet, underscored the importance of regulatory intervention in fostering a robust digital economy.
“Our objective is to establish policies and legal frameworks that support cloud development, enabling us to securely host and manage our data. This is crucial for the growth of our digital economy, he said.”
He also highlights the necessity of capacity building, stating that, “Equipping ourselves with top-tier training and expertise is essential to fully leverage digital technologies.” Barrister Edet called on all stakeholders to actively participate in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.
“Collaboratively, we must develop a framework that reflects our national interests, and it should be widely accepted. This effort will define Nigeria’s role in the global digital arena, he observed.
The TWG will help in the drive to attract hyperscale investments and enhance local cloud capabilities by proffering measures to encourage the use of accurate data, recommend the enactment and compliance to enabling policies.
Members of the TWG which includes Google, AWS, IBM, Oracle, Microsoft, HUAWEI Cloud, Equinix, Kasi, Rack Centre, Africa Data Centres, several other data centre operators and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission expressed support and readiness to volunteer and contribute resources.
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