Bimbo Abioye, President of the Institute of Software Practitioners of Nigeria (ISPON), recently hosted the organisation’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing together key stakeholders and practitioners from the software industry to discuss ways to strengthen the association, protect local software development firms, and promote them within the broader IT sector.

Under Abioye’s leadership, ISPON has made significant strides in the Nigerian software space, developing internationally acclaimed software solutions and fostering collaboration between local developers and global partners. The AGM served as a platform for industry leaders to brainstorm and strategise on positioning indigenous IT firms for growth and success.

Recognising the tech industry’s vital contribution to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), ISPON has spent the past year working closely with regulatory bodies, such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), to elevate the profile of local IT firms and ensure their continued development.

At the AGM, members reflected on achievements over the past year, discussed ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s information technology sector, and set out plans for the coming year. “After one year in office, the 2023/2025 ISPON NEC, led by Mr. Bimbo Abioye, is excited to engage with members in a bid to seek collaboration towards the growth and advancement of the Institute,” read a statement from the organisation.

Founded in 1999, ISPON remains committed to providing an enabling environment for local software developers, promoting Nigerian-developed solutions, and contributing to diversifying the economy beyond oil.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

Under Abioye’s leadership, ISPON has made significant strides in the Nigerian software space, developing internationally acclaimed software solutions and fostering collaboration between local developers and global partners. The AGM served as a platform for industry leaders to brainstorm and strategise on positioning indigenous IT firms for growth and success.

The young and dynamic Anambra billionaire, Blord Linus William, has resumed work at his office in Awka, much to the delight of his supporters and customers.

In a recent statement, Blord emphasized the importance of his customers, whom he regards as the cornerstone of his success. He assured users of his Apps that any unresolved issues will be promptly addressed by following the provided instructions. “Every customer is a king,” Blord stated, expressing his deep gratitude for their continued patronage.

Blord also took the opportunity to clarify recent controversies, highlighting that many of the negative claims come from individuals who have never used his Apps. He urged genuine users to share their positive experiences and continue supporting his ventures.

The resumption marks a new phase of improved customer service for Billpoint and Jetpaye Apps. Blord reassured users that while occasional glitches may occur, they will be swiftly resolved to ensure a seamless experience.

In a broader appeal, Blord called for support and encouragement for young entrepreneurs. “Not every rich man is a fraudster,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between constructive criticism and unwarranted attacks. He urged the public to foster a positive environment for those making significant contributions.

Blord’s message concluded with a heartfelt call for unity and positivity: “Let love lead.”

Chukwuma Ndigolu

 

Victor Nwadinobi, CEO of Greenmouse Technologies, an innovative indigenous ICT firm based in Ikeja, Lagos, recently discussed the company’s latest web deployment project aimed at the Nigerian diaspora, particularly those residing in Europe.

In a recent media briefing, Nwadinobi elaborated on the significance of this initiative. “We have worked diligently on a web application project that unites all Igbo unions in Germany,” he stated. “This web portal, named Ndi Igbo in Germany, is designed to efficiently manage all members through a comprehensive backend dashboard.”

This platform is more than just a digital space; it represents a significant step in connecting the Nigerian community abroad, providing a seamless means for cultural and social engagement. Greenhouse Technologies’ efforts are breaking new ground, transcending geographical borders and reinforcing connections among Nigerians living in Europe.

Nwadinobi emphasized the company’s commitment to leveraging technology to foster unity and community spirit among Nigerians abroad. “Greenhouse Technologies is truly crossing borders with this initiative,” he concluded, highlighting the company’s vision to extend its digital solutions globally.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

 

This platform is more than just a digital space; it represents a significant step in connecting the Nigerian community abroad, providing a seamless means for cultural and social engagement. Greenhouse Technologies’ efforts are breaking new ground, transcending geographical borders and reinforcing connections among Nigerians living in Europe.

 

The Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), operating under the Office of the National Security Adviser, has issued a critical warning to Nigerian Android device users about a potent new malware known as the Anatsa banking trojan.

The Anatsa banking trojan is a sophisticated type of malware specifically engineered to target banking applications. Once it infiltrates an Android device, it stealthily steals financial information, including login credentials, personal identification numbers (PINs), and even banking transaction details.

The advisory from ngCERT outlines the increasing cyber threats posed to bank customers, citing a surge in reports of such incidents. This warning comes as part of a broader effort to protect the financial data of millions of Nigerians who rely on mobile banking for their daily transactions.

Instances of Anatsa Banking Trojan Attacks

In one notable instance, users received seemingly legitimate emails or text messages from their banks, prompting them to click on a link to update their account information. Once clicked, the link redirected them to a fake banking site that captured their login details and transmitted them to the malware operators.

Several Android users reported downloading apps from third-party app stores that appeared to be genuine banking or utility apps. These apps, once installed, activated the Anatsa trojan, which silently collected sensitive banking information and sent it to cybercriminals.

In another sophisticated attack, the Anatsa trojan was found to create overlays on top of legitimate banking apps. When users opened their banking app and entered their credentials, the malware captured the information in real-time and sent it to the attackers.

Precautions and Recommendations

To mitigate the risk of falling victim to the Anatsa banking trojan, ngCERT advises users to avoid clicking on suspicious links, especially in unsolicited messages and emails. It is crucial to download apps only from trusted sources like the Google Play Store and avoid third-party app stores that may not vet apps for security. Regularly updating the device’s operating system and apps ensures that the latest security patches are in place. Using strong, unique passwords for banking apps and considering the use of a password manager can provide an added layer of security. Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on banking apps, where possible, is also recommended for enhanced protection.

The warning from ngCERT underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding personal financial information against the growing threat of cyberattacks. Users are encouraged to stay informed and take necessary steps to protect themselves from the Anatsa banking trojan and other similar threats.

 

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Dr. Obiageli Amadiobi, the Director General of the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP), has issued a stern warning to companies failing to submit their technology transfer agreements for proper evaluation and registration. During a recent familiarization visit to several Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies in Lagos, Dr. Amadiobi announced that such companies will soon face stiff penalties and prosecution.

Dr. Amadiobi highlighted that NOTAP’s primary mandate is to regulate the inflow of foreign technology through the registration of technology transfer agreements and to promote the development of locally motivated technologies. She expressed concern that some companies are circumventing this process by not registering their agreements, particularly those involving both hardware and software, thereby undermining the system.

“Records indicate that a significant percentage of companies in Nigeria rely on imported technologies worth millions of dollars without NOTAP registration, which is required by law. This practice shortchanges the Nigerian economy,” Dr. Amadiobi stated. She emphasized that NOTAP’s involvement during the technology negotiation stage is mandatory to ensure that Nigerian entrepreneurs secure appropriate technology under the best contractual terms.

The Director General affirmed that while NOTAP is committed to working with compliant companies, it will impose strict penalties on those flouting the rules. “In line with the renewed hope mantra of the present administration, no company will be allowed to avoid registration of their technology transfer agreements with NOTAP,” she declared.

Mr. Adewale Adeyipo, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), welcomed the new NOTAP leadership’s energy and enthusiasm. He expressed CWG’s willingness to collaborate with NOTAP to advance the ICT ecosystem. Mr. Adeyipo noted that NOTAP’s initiatives could generate over 2,000 jobs annually within the ICT sector, which is crucial for the nation’s global competitiveness.

He lamented that Nigeria has spent over $987.8 million on digital media subscriptions and downloads, funds that could have been retained within the country with better governmental support for local ICT operators through strategic policies.

In support, Mrs. Ola William, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Microsoft Nigeria Plc., praised NOTAP’s efforts in accelerating the ICT sector’s development. She reassured stakeholders that Microsoft remains committed to Nigeria’s ICT growth, debunking rumors of the company’s exit from the country.

This visit marks a significant step towards enforcing compliance and fostering cooperation between NOTAP and the ICT industry to enhance Nigeria’s technological advancement and economic growth.

 

The Federal Government through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has granted a licence to the Institute of Information Management (IIM) to conduct examinations and certify data protection professionals for global competitiveness.

The National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who said this on Monday while presenting licence to IIM in Abuja, said granting of the licence was part of the commission’s measures to implement Executive Order 003 and 005.

Olatunji added that certifying data protection professionals in the country would reduce capital flight, create over 500,000 jobs in the sector, and encourage more people to be certified.

Promoting local content

While a few Nigerians with expertise in data protection had their training and certification abroad, Olatunji said having an institute to train and certify Nigerians locally would boost local content in the sector.

“We are trying to ensure the implementation of Executive Orders 003 and 005 to promote local content in Nigeria. Most of us who are certified data protection officers have international certifications; we paid some dollars to write exams as well as maintain the certificates. We are trying to domesticate this in Nigeria by having a national certification process” Olatunji said.

The NDPC National Commissioner said that with the size of Nigeria’s population, the country needs over 500,000 certified data protection officers. And if prospective candidates are to pay for the certifying examination in dollars, it will lead to capital flight.

Expansion to Africa

Olatunji also said that the commission is considering adopting the licensing across Africa. According to him, the Commission is working towards having a pan-African initiative, whereby data professionals have the national certification that is being offered in Nigeria and can also practice in any part of Africa.

“It is a way of creating jobs for our people, reducing capital flight, and developing global human capital in the data protection ecosystem” Olatunji said. He explained the Commission have also gone further to develop the training model which is unique to the organization and will be used by trainers in Nigeria.

He added that the licensing would also create jobs for already licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs), who would be accredited to train prospective professionals to sit for data protection examinations. According to him, the national data protection certification will be a historic legacy that will transcend administrations and meet global standards.

Speaking on the licence, the President of the Institute of Information Management, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, recalled that the certification process commenced in 2021.
He said the licence would bridge the gap in the data protection ecosystem. Oyewole assured Nigerians of the institute’s commitment to be the best in the education system of data protection in the country.

The primary goal of ADC Channel is to foster collaboration among partners within the ISP, Carrier, Telecommunications, Systems Integration, ICT and Data Centre providers; Channel Partners will have additional product offerings to add to their current portfolio and in turn generate new revenue streams; The programme offers partners easy access to data centre experts and will provide ongoing commercial and technical support.

Africa Data Centres, a division of the Cassava Technologies group, is excited to announce the launch of its exclusive channel partner programme, ADC Channel. This programme is designed to establish colocation and ecosystem partnerships, empowering members to expand their product portfolio & offerings alongside their market presence including an expanded data centre footprint.

ADC Channel presents a unique opportunity for global carriers, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), system integrators, Data Centres, Mobile Network, Content Developer, telecommunications companies, network infrastructure operators, hyperscalers and others to deliver state-of-the-art, sustainable and cost-effective digital solutions to their clients.

The primary objective of ADC Channel is to foster collaboration amongst partners, facilitating the delivery of optimised solutions and comprehensive support to clients. Partners enrolled in ADC Channel will benefit from a flexible approach that accommodates various partnership and go-to-market (GTM) models.

Finhai Munzara, CFO of Africa Data Centres, emphasises that the benefits of the ADC Channel programme extend to all types of partners. “Our facilities are designed with the needs of hyper-scale, wholesale & enterprise clients in mind, catering to their technical, operational and commercial requirements. Whether it’s greenfield projects, built-to-suit facilities, powered shells, dedicated halls, or hybrid colocation, we offer flexible, scalable and sustainable solutions that suit partners of every kind.”

He elaborates on the advantages of becoming an Africa Data Centres Partner.

Firstly, clients gain an additional product offering & footprint to augment their existing portfolio, enabling them to offer bundled solutions. This not only enhances their current revenue streams but also positions them for further growth & retention with both existing and future customers.

Africa Data Centres has also developed ADC Marketplace, a pioneering platform designed to empower partners and customers across the continent. This innovative marketplace provides a dynamic space for partners to showcase their services and for customers to explore offerings, fostering collaboration and visibility within the African tech community. Offering unmatched connectivity and growth opportunities, the ADC Marketplace stands as the ultimate platform for African enterprise organisations and tech companies seeking to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Partners stand to benefit from reduced churn, as colocation is inherently a ‘sticky’ product with minimal price erosion. By offering best-of-breed colocation services from Africa’s leading data centre provider, partners can differentiate themselves from competitors.

Partners will also enjoy seamless access to data centre experts, continuous commercial and technical support, and regular, complimentary training for their sales and product teams.

Furthermore, partners face no financial risk, as participation in the channel programme requires no investment and entails no capital expenditures for building data centres.

Partners can also leverage flexibility in setting their selling prices and receive significant upfront discounts, further bolstering their competitive advantage. Exclusive benefits include competitive pricing, dedicated sales & Presales Teams, Remote Hands support and access to joint marketing resources & activities, enabling partners to thrive in the marketplace.

Munzara emphasises that ADC Channel programme  epitomises Africa Data Centres’ commitment to fostering collaborative growth and innovation. “It serves as a platform for clients to enrich their product portfolios and seamlessly extend their business across diverse ecosystems with openness and transparency.” Africa Data Centres warmly invites partners to embark on this transformative journey towards shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa.

“The programme prioritises mutual growth, leveraging Africa Data Centres’ profound industry expertise and extensive infrastructure,” Munzara concludes.

GITEX Africa (www.GITEXAfrica.com), the continent’s largest and most influential tech and start-up event is on high momentum to welcome the year’s biggest tech conversations and collaborative ventures in Marrakech, Morocco.

 

Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, the 2nd edition of GITEX Africa will take place from 29-31 May 2024, under the authority of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform and hosted by the Digital Development Agency (ADD).

The 2nd blockbuster edition follows its pioneering debut in 2023, rated by the attending tech community as the world’s best tech launch event. The intense global interest in exploring diverse tech themes is now powering GITEX Africa’s growth, fuelling momentum in a maturing digital ecosystem while turbocharging a big tech rush into one of the world’s most exciting and dynamic markets.

GITEX Africa 2024 shall welcome thousands of attendees from across the continent for large scale discourse and future-focused collaborations, while accelerating tech’s massive advances across diverse industries, from cloud and IOT, cybersecurity, digital health, and future finance, to consumer tech, telecoms, and the great hype of artificial intelligence.

H.E. Dr Ghita Mezzour, the Moroccan Minister of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, met with organisers in Morocco recently as plans ramp up for the development of an expanded purpose-built venue to accommodate the surge in global exhibitor demand.

“The success of the 1st edition of GITEX Africa Morocco highlights our continent’s enthusiastic embrace of the digital revolution and Morocco’s commitment to strengthen South-South cooperation in the digital field, as well as its contribution to the international promotion of the African continent in accordance with the High Royal Vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him.” said H.E. Dr Mezzour.

“Our ambitions are growing as we look ahead to the 2nd edition in the beautiful city of Marrakech. We’re excited about making GITEX Africa Morocco even more remarkable and look forward to hosting a diverse and impactful African and international tech presence.”

Mr. Mohammed Drissi Melyani, the General Director of ADD, added: “The Kingdom of Morocco successfully hosted the first edition of GITEX Africa Morocco in 2023, which showcased Africa as an emergent continent in the digital economy. The 2nd edition in 2024 is another opportunity to enhance and support Africa’s digital transformation progress and boost the competitiveness of the continent’s digital ecosystems.”

World Future Health Africa debut accelerates continent’s digital health revolution

GITEX Africa is organised by KAOUN International, the overseas affiliate of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which organises GITEX GLOBAL in the UAE, the world’s largest and most trusted tech and start-up event. The expansion of Africa’s powerhouse tech showcase is amplified by the debut of the co-located World Future Health Africa, accelerating the continent’s ascending tech-fuelled digital health revolution.

World Future Health Africa is held under the auspices of the Moroccan Ministry of Digital Transition and Public Administration Reform, the Moroccan Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Digital Development Agency.

Trixie LohMirmand, CEO of KAOUN International, organiser of GITEX Africa and World Future Health Africa, said: “This sequel of GITEX Africa this year follows the upbeat trend of tech discovery we created last year in its inaugural edition.

“The global community is experiencing the growing energy, curiosity and demand for digital advancement from Africa which is outpacing that of matured developed continents. The depth and breadth of tech showcase, including the much-hyped AI in society and business at GITEX Africa shall be an eye-opening experience fostering great knowledge sharing and collaboration opportunities between the public and private sectors, and amongst businesses across the world.”

Tech titans return intensifying cross-continental tech tussle

The 2nd edition of GITEX Africa will welcome returning exhibitors following their hugely successful participation at the show’s momentous debut in 2023. Multinational majors including Epson, Honeywell, Kaspersky, and Lexar are among those back for a second round of future-focused collaborations reviving a tech-enabled African investment race.

Neil Colquhoun, Vice President of Epson Europe and the Middle East, said: “Epson is delighted to announce its participation for the second consecutive year at GITEX Africa 2024. Epson’s technology offering will focus primarily on a range of sustainable, energy-efficient solutions and products that address the pressing concerns of many industrial sectors, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises in the region.”

UAE-headquartered Presight, the Middle East’s leading big data analytics company powered by generative AI, and part of G42, a global leader in creating visionary AI, will also return: “Africa has been our focus; it’s the newly emerging continent for the digital workforce and digital transformation,” said Thomas Pramotedham, CEO of Presight.

“Presight has multiple digital transformation programmes with several African governments, and in 2024, we aim to contribute even more to the continent’s thriving tech ecosystem. Our goal is to make a positive societal impact using our big data analytics capabilities powered by generative AI. With GITEX Africa playing a key role, we’re excited to be part of discussions shaping the continent’s digital transformation journey.”

Bertrand Trastour, General Manager, France and North, Central and West Africa of global leading Cybersecurity company, Kaspersky, added: “GITEX Africa is a very important platform for Kaspersky as it allows us to inform our customers and partners about our growth strategy and potential.

“Digitalisation is a high priority in African markets, and cybersecurity is the foundation for this successful transformation. Kaspersky provides the most comprehensive cybersecurity for the growth of our customers’ businesses, regardless of their sector, scenario or assets.”

Moroccan trailblazers spotlight ground-breaking innovations

Moroccan headliners advancing tech and innovation across the region are also returning to GITEX Africa 2024, including Maroc Data Centre, Zen Networks, Dataprotect, and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), the show’s official R&D partner.

“UM6P transcends the traditional boundaries of R&D, embodying a powerhouse of innovation and entrepreneurship for Africa and beyond,” said Yassine Laghzioui, CEO of UM6P Ventures and Director of Entrepreneurship and Venturing at UM6P.

“We are excited to elevate our role at GITEX Africa, not merely as a leading R&D collaborator but as a beacon of innovation. Our partnership with GITEX Africa underscores our dedication to driving progress in science, technology, and investment realms.

Added Laghzioui: “We aim to nurture and scale DeepTech ventures across Africa through our targeted entrepreneurship and venturing programs, moving beyond Morocco’s borders. GITEX Africa offers an unparalleled opportunity for UM6P to forge strategic partnerships, showcasing our ground-breaking initiatives in diverse sectors such as HealthTech, BioTech, AgriTech, and GreenTech. These efforts stem from UM6P’s innovation labs and from our extended ecosystem, poised to tackle the continent’s pressing challenges.”

Regional start-up, VC investment surge on high revs at North Star Africa

GITEX Africa 2024 will feature an elevated North Star Africa start-up showcase, converging the largest curation of award-winning start-ups and scale-ups ever seen in the African continent. The most ambitious and forward-thinking entrepreneurs and founders will collaborate with African and global accelerators and investors to scale business opportunity in a region that is tipped to raise US$10 billion in VC funds by 2025.

North Star Africa is extending its far-reaching footprint to all ends of the world’s second largest continent and beyond, spurring investors to seek out and uplift the next potential unicorns solving Africa’s biggest challenges.

There’ll be more awards too, with globe-trotting innovative companies battling for start-up supremacy at the Supernova Challenge, Africa’s most coveted and valuable start-up pitch competition, with a prize pool of US$100,000 up for grabs across six categories.

In response to the recent internet shutdown caused by the cut of a subsea cable, industry leaders convened at the Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy summit, hosted at the Providence Hotel Ikeja, to address critical gaps in the nation’s digital infrastructure.

During the summit, Ike Nnamani, CEO of Digital Realty, emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to bolster its subsea cable network to support the growing demands of its digital economy. Nnamani underscored the importance of attracting major Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to establish their infrastructure within the country, emphasizing that such investments are vital for Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“The expansion of subsea cables and the establishment of local infrastructure are paramount for Nigeria to fully harness its digital potential,” stated Nnamani. “Telcos must adapt their business models to meet the demands of the digital age, and regulatory frameworks should facilitate this transition.”

With Nigeria boasting one of the largest populations of telephony users on the continent, the country has emerged as a lucrative investment destination for digital infrastructure. Investors are closely monitoring developments in Nigeria’s digital landscape, recognizing the nation’s potential to lead the data center market in the coming years.

The event also addressed the crucial role of data center solutions in Nigeria’s digital advancement. Nnamani highlighted the country’s untapped potential in this sector, projecting Nigeria to surpass South Africa and become the leading data center market in Africa within the next decade.

As Nigeria seeks to solidify its position in the global digital economy, stakeholders emphasize the necessity of proactive measures to enhance digital infrastructure and foster innovation.

Digital Realty supports the data center, colocation, and interconnection strategies of customers across the globe. Its secure, global ecosystem creates a broader range of possibilities and pathways for customers, accelerating their digital transformation efforts

Anthony Emeka Nwosu.

ZORACOM, a leading organization in Nigeria’s cybersecurity and threat mitigation sector, proudly announces its representation at MWC2024, the continent’s premier technology event held in Barcelona, Spain. Headed by John Nwachukwu, the company’s main executive, ZORACOM’s expert team participated in this significant gathering to showcase its commitment to advancing cybersecurity solutions.

As part of ZORACOM’s dedication to continuous growth and collaboration in the technology sector, the company leveraged its presence at MWC2024 to engage with global technology leaders and forge strategic partnerships in the cybersecurity domain. This participation aligns with ZORACOM’s mission to deliver world-class solutions to its clients in Nigeria by staying abreast of the latest technological advancements.

Commenting on the event, John Nwachukwu stated, “We are proud to be among the few Nigerian tech firms represented at this prestigious event in Europe. ZORACOM is dedicated to reinventing itself and providing cutting-edge solutions to our clients. Our engagement at MWC2024 has enabled us to initiate several B2B agreements with prominent OEMs and business brands, and we are confident that these collaborations will benefit our clients in the near future.”

With a decade of operations in the industry, ZORACOM has solidified its position as a premier cybersecurity solution provider for various sectors in Nigeria, including fintech and telecommunications. Despite its relatively short tenure, ZORACOM has achieved significant milestones, demonstrating its commitment to innovation and excellence within the ecosystem.

ZORACOM is a leading organization specializing in cybersecurity and threat mitigation solutions in Nigeria. With a focus on innovation and client satisfaction, ZORACOM delivers comprehensive cybersecurity services to a diverse range of industries, ensuring the protection of critical assets and data.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu