The organizers of Africa Tech Alliance Forum [AfriTECH 4.0] have announced the distinguished lineup of speakers for this year’s Forum themed: “Leapfrogging Digital Transformation for Future of Africa’s Economy”.

Scheduled to hold on Thursday, November 07, 2024 at Oriental Hotels, Lekki, Lagos, Nigeria, AfriTECH 4.0 will bring together leading voices in technology, telecommunications, ecommerce, software, finance, emerging technologies and government to explore key innovations and challenges shaping Africa’s digital transformation.

AfriTECH has become one of Africa’s most anticipated technology events, and the 2024 edition will feature a stellar lineup of industry experts, innovators, and policymakers who will provide insights into how emerging technologies are propelling Africa’s digital economy.

Special Guests:

Dr. Aminu Maida, a distinguished leader in telecommunications and digital transformation, serves as the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

With over two decades of experience in the ICT sector, Maida has become a pivotal figure in driving Nigeria’s digital economy, overseeing regulatory frameworks and initiatives that foster innovation, investment, and inclusivity in Nigeria’s telecom industry.

Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, is a transformative leader in Nigeria’s technology landscape, currently serving as the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

Under his guidance, NITDA has driven impactful initiatives supporting Nigeria’s digital economy, fostering innovation, digital skills development, and creating an enabling environment for tech startups and entrepreneurship.

He will deliver the keynote address at AfriTECH 4.0.

Professor Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju is the CEO of Galaxy Backbone, a key government-owned technology and digital infrastructure company. Under his leadership, Galaxy Backbone focuses on strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem by providing secure and innovative ICT infrastructure to government agencies and businesses, supporting national development and e-governance initiatives.

Biram Fall, the Regional Managing Director, QNET, a leading e-commerce-based direct selling company.

In his role, Mr. Fall oversees QNET’s operations and growth strategies across several markets, focusing on enhancing regional reach and ensuring the company aligns with local business needs.

Known for his expertise in direct-​selling and his commitment to sustainable business practices, Fall has been instrumental in expanding QNET’s footprint in Africa and other emerging mar​kets.

Ebehijie Momoh is a renowned financial services leader with over 20 years of experience in banking and payment technology, currently serving as CEO of AfrigoPay Financial Services Limited, where she leads the company’s mission to provide innovative payment solutions across Africa.

With a background in financial services and a deep understanding of digital payments, Momoh brings extensive experience to her role, focusing on transforming​ the financial landscape through accessible, secure, and efficient payment systems.

Her leadership emphasizes financial inclusion, driving AfrigoPay’s efforts to reach underserved communities and promote economic empowerment across the continent.

Dr. Muhammed Sirajo Aliyu is a visionary leader in Nigeria’s information technology sector. He is the incumbent President of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS), the foremost association of IT professionals in Nigeria.

With an extensive background in computer science, IT governance, and digital innovation, Dr. Aliyu brings over 25 years of experience to his role, where he champions the advancement of technology and professional development within Nigeria’s IT ecosystem.

Dr. Temitope Alakija, a renowned academic and statistician, is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Statistics at Yaba College of Technology [Yabatech] Lagos. With a deep expertise in data science, statistical analysis, and quantitative research, Dr. Alakija is dedicated to advancing the field of statistics and training future leaders in data-driven decision-making.

Holding a PhD in statistics and with numerous publications, Dr. Alakija’s research contributions have significantly influenced both academia and industry, particularly within Africa. Her commitment to academic excellence and her role in fostering a data-literate society make her a highly respected figure in the statistical community.

Adesola Akinsanya – President, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA). Akinsanya brings decades of expertise to his role, where he advocates for technological innovation, professional growth, and policy advancement in Nigeria’s IT landscape..

Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON). Engr. Adebayo is a prominent figure in Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, with over 25 years of experience in telecom and ICT. He is known for his advocacy for industry development, regulatory reform, and the provision of accessible telecommunications services across Nigeria.

Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere – President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON). With an extensive background in telecom management, digital strategy, and regulatory advocacy, Emoekpere is dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s telecom industry and fostering an environment that promotes innovation, investment, and inclusivity.

Key Speakers for AfriTECH 4.0:

Engineer Ikechukwu Nnamani – CEO, Digital Realty (Nigeria). In his keynote presentation at AfriTECH 4.0, Engr. Nnamani is expected to share his expertise on building resilient telecommunications infrastructure to support Africa’s digital future.

For over 16 years under his leadership the Digital Realty datacenter in Lagos is rated the most interconnected facility in the West African sub-region being the number 1 peering point for the region and boosting all submarine cables in the region, long distance providers, metro fiber providers, mobile services providers, fixed services providers, OTT providers, Internet Exchange, VAS providers, and global Tier1 service providers, amongst others.

Other outstanding personalities confirmed as speakers include – Dr. Obadare Peter Adewale, Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Limited; Mr. Emmanuel Amos, Founder – Programos Foundation/InnovationBed Africa; Chukwuebuka Ume-Ezeoke, Chief Technology Officer at CED Technologies; Dr. Oluseyi Akindeinde, Founder, Hyperspace Technologies; Happiness Obioha, Managing Director, Tecom Concepts Limited; Chukwuemeka Mbaebie, Convener, Lagos Blockchain Week; Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director, Transblue Limited; Chika Nwosu, Managing Director, PalmPay; Jude Ozinegbe, Founder/Convener at Cyberchain; Mohammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria [IXPN]; Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO Open Access Data Centres (OADC); Kehinde Ogundare, country manager, ZOHO [Nigeria]; Ayodeji Ogunmola, Director, Products Management at Northsnow Ltd; Oluwakayode Durodola, founder, Otuntech Limited; Lovelyn Okafor, Country Head, Nigeria at Newmark; Olaniyi Ibraheem, Business Development Manager (Africa) at UBankConnect; Adedamola Bowale, Co-founder & Technical Lead at Avancee Pinnacle, and Moniade Adeniyi, Product Innovation & Business Growth Strategist, Northsnow Ltd.

Meanwhile, innovationbed Africa is set to host “Startup Showcase” at AfriTECH, a session dedicating to startup finalists for this year’s United Nations World Summit Awards. Discussants include – David-Bobola Ojoawo, the Producer for Compas.AI; Stephen Adeyemo of Expertplug; Siro Collins, CEO of Advanced Engineering Center (AEC), WSA Winner 2023; Elijah Moses, Producer for VerionX; Rasheed Aliu Producer for LOOPBOX; Musami Umar Musam, founder of RollMal; David Ezeonyekwere, the founder of CheapMarketDeal, and Sule Wisdom David, the founder of CyclexAfrica.

QNET is the gold sponsor of AfriTECH 40. Silver Sponsors – Galaxy Backbone, Digital Realty, Digital Encode Ltd. Bronze Sponsors – CED Technologies, AfriGoPay, Tecom, Northsnow UK, Hyperspace Technologies, Palmpay, OADC.

Ecosystem Partners: NCC, NITDA,, InnovationBed Africa, ALTON, ATCON, NCS, IXPN, NiRA, Lagos Blockchain Week, Newmark Group, all are supporting AfriTECH 4.0.

Media Partners include; Techeconomy, NigeriaCommunicationsWeek, ITPulse, Ravenews, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, GrassRoots, DigiVation Network, TechLifewithUgo, BusinessMetrics, BusinessRemarks, SwiftReporters, TechTV, Africa Hyperscalers Media, CyberEra, ITRealms, DigitalTimes, TechnologyMirror, TechandBizNews, ITNewsNigeria.

“AfriTECH 4.0 will also feature interactive panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions that will explore other critical topics such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, fintech, smart cities, and sustainable innovation”, said Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of AfriTECH. “We are grateful to the sponsors and partners”.  

“Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with the speakers, as well as network with other industry leaders, innovators, and investors”, he added.

Participation

Participation is free, but you are required to pre-register: https://bit.ly/3ZPdi88

Stakeholders in the education circle are warming up for the maiden edition of Southeast Educators’ Conference 2024(SEEC’24).

The two-day SEEC’24 scheduled to hold 18th & 19th, April 2024 at Nike Lake Resort, Enugu under theme: Future-‘Focused Learning – Igniting the Competitive Edge’ promises to host key players in the education sector with a potential attendance of over 500 delegates.

The conference will feature a diverse lineup of speakers, covering topics ranging from holistic learning approaches to cutting-edge technology integration.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Mrs Doris Chinedu-Okoro, CEO, Evergreen Group, said SEEC’24 is the first of its kind in the Southeast region, presenting a historic opportunity for stakeholders to pioneer positive change in the local education sector.

“It brings together diverse perspectives and innovative ideas,fostering collaboration and networking among educators and stakeholders.

Hundreds of delegates will be in attendance.

“SEEC’24 is dedicated to exploring transformative practices, emphasising holistic learning, technology integration, global citizenship, life-long learning, and community engagement”, she said.

Mr. Osita Chidioka, the former Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, who recently launched an online mentorship and leadership programme for Nigerian youths named Mekaria Mentorship Programme (MMP) Foundation Course, will deliver the keynote at SEEC’24.

Prof. Pieter Verdegem; Dr. Joy Isa, Mrs. Bukola Adewuiyi, Lady Uju Dike, Fr. John Njorteah, Alex Onyia, Rotimi Eyitayo, Rhoda Odigboh, Elfrida Diete-Spiff Omole, Dr. ChibuezeLawrence Ofobuike, Ify Obidi-Essien, Dr. Abimbola Ogundere, Angelina Ikeako, Odetola Ebenezer Israel and OgochukwuOnyia, are some of the speakers lined up for the event.

The Evergreen Group CEO added that the conference thrives on a vision to create a dynamic platform that equips educators with the tools and knowledge needed to make a lasting impact on the educational landscape of South-Eastern Nigeria.

SEEC’24 is open to School Owners, Heads of Schools (Public and Private), Educational Stakeholders, Counselors, Teachers, Parents, Investors, Startups, and others in the education ecosystem.

“Participants will have the opportunity to engage in two full days of conference sessions, diving deep into the future of Education.

“There will be ample networking opportunities with school leaders from across the geopolitical zone and beyond.

“The evening Gala Night promises a delightful atmosphere for dancing, dining, wining, and fostering deeper connections in a relaxed setting”, she further explained.

Registration is N100,000 via: https://bit.ly/3uTcv9e

·      Experts to Discuss Trust, Security and Privacy in AI Era

Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON), the cross-industry platform focused on addressing issues that require broad cooperation and coordination across many constituents in the payments industry, has attracted sponsorships from Digital Encode Limited, Cybervergent and Payble.  

Financial industry experts are warming up for the first edition of PAFON, scheduled to take place at Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos on Thursday March 21, 2024, by 9am.

The Forum aims at providing an inside-look at the industry, offering perspectives from key stakeholders, including payment networks, technology innovators, leading merchants, issuers, acquirers and payment processors.

Throughout the years, the finance world has shifted into something much more than just banking and big corporations.

Speaking ahead of the star-studded PAFON 1.0, with the theme: “Payments: Trust, Security and Privacy in AI Era”, Dr. Adewale Peter Obadare, the Chief Visionary Officer [CVO], Digital Encode Limited, said that customers want to be assured that their sensitive information, such as credit card numbers and personal details, is treated with utmost care hence security has become paramount in the payments industry.

“Secure payment processing ensures that data breaches are minimized, instilling confidence in customers to keep coming back. Nigerian financial institutions reported ₦159 billion ($201.5 million) lost to fraud cases since 2020, according to the Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC). This is what the experts must tackle and customer awareness is key too”, he said.

Based on a report by Gartner, by 2024, 40% of privacy compliance technology will rely on AI, up from 5% in 2019, and by 2025, 60% of large organizations will use at least one privacy-enhancing computation technique in analytics, business intelligence, or cloud computing, and financial services industry is no exempted.

On the other hand, Roosevelt Elias, the co-founder of Payble, described PAFON as a ‘must-attend’ Forum due to the ‘issues listed to be discussed are germane and require critical attention. For instance, building financial inclusive products requires a mix of technology and illiteracy. The industry can’t achieve this by working in silos; we just have to unite to achieve the set target on financial inclusion, particularly for the rural dwellers.

Digital Encode (a leading consulting and integration that specializes in the design, management, and security of business-critical architecture); Cybervergent (a company dedicated to helping protect business sensitive data from cyber-attacks, including customer information, financial records and intellectual property); Payble (a fintech startup that modernises local government payments such as creating citizen-centric payment experiences, delivering flexible billing and simplified rate collection, will be joined at PAFON 1.0 by Inlaks, an IT company that offers core banking, fraud management, cybersecurity, cloud, data center, enterprise risk management, amongst other industry players.

“Our goal is to enable information exchange and knowledge sharing on key industry insights issues amongst key stakeholders, with the objective of ensuring a collaborative and proactive approach to push for policies that enable growth, tackling/mitigating fraud and limiting occurrences and losses”, said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, the co-founder of TechCastle Foundation, organisers of Payment Forum Nigeria (PAFON).

He said that the Forum is driven by the reasons to; “educate and inform financial service players and other stakeholders on various issues and trends (both locally and globally); proactively share data/information amongst banks, Fintechs and other service providers, to enable prompt responses to prevent and/or limit (customer-related) losses; and discuss key Payments security trends”.

“Speakers will be drawn among industry players such as banks, Fintechs, mobile money operators, blockchain experts, Cybersecurity, etc., as we expect attendees from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); e-Banking Heads; Chief Compliance Officers of banks in Nigeria; Chief Internal Auditors of banks in Nigeria; Office of The National Security Adviser; Switching companies; the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission; Licensed Mobile Payment Operators; Electronic Payments Providers; Information Security Experts; Consumer Protection; Financial Policy and Regulation; Information Technology; Legal Services; Banking Supervision; Corporate Communication; Shared Services Office; Blockchain Security Experts, etc”, he added.

Participation:

Participation is free; however, you are required to pre-register using the link here: https://bit.ly/4c4N19H

For sponsorship, please contact: Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi via: 08123355522 or Peter Oluka: 08184346261 or email: [email protected].