General News
AFRICA: A Digital Colony
Look! Africa is fast becoming a digital colony without her realizing it.Am deeply afraidwith the way we are going,that one day if nothing is done, we will wake up and see one smart kid in say China remotely controlling the economies of nations in Africa!Yes,it is as bad as that, if you have keenly followed trends of events happening especially in the cyberspace.And frankly this demands a state of emergency by African Union. In my opinion; this is the new war we need to fight in Africa withcode warriors for digital independence! Africa,one of the largest continents of the world,blessed with great human and material resources no doubt,it becomes unfortunate that even with these abundant resources,our nations are still very poor,underdeveloped and living in the third world. When i look at emerging economiesand the vintage role Africa should play, i say to myself, why is Africa still sleeping. Are we really ready for the coming wealth and power transfer? How are we positioned? We seem to become eternally clueless about technology, its place in African development and what the future holds. My fear is that in thisnew knowledge economy driven by technologies,Africa has started playing the same ignorant and i –dont- care role they played during the Agricultural and industrial age which left us with hunger, poverty and lack. It even took our self esteem away.In this digital age,the consequences cannot be imagined because of the speed associated with digital advancement and if nothing is done now, Africa might never recover from this digital colonisation. I am writing this with the mind that if Africa can realize what she has, find ways to develop the continent using technology as the driving force,we will be the next continent to beat in the global arena of technology competitiveness and overcome this digital enslavement!It isclear that any nation or continent that cannot develop and grow its own technologies has no future and will depend on others.They will hardly regain their freedom. Our over dependency and consumption of technologies(with none made in Africa)have left us as a digital colony while we plough the fields of other smart nations making them Digital giants and singing their songs in Africa. Digital colonization enslaves Africa in her domain making her fully dependent on the global IT savvy nations for all her technology needs, thereby compromising her critical resources and her sovereignty without her knowing. Chris Uwaje in his book-e-Knowledge-Time is running out!aptly captures the entire scenario of a digital colony,he said”some shortsighted nations will wake-up at midnight one day,in the early decades of this century and suddenly realize that they have been digitally colonized. The resultant effect of this will seriously impact on the future generations to come. It simply means that the entire life,culture and sovereignty of a nation and her citizenry have been unknowingly to the people traded off and taken over by IT-smart, powerful and knowledge- centered information force and/or forces on the globe.” The following points to the fact that we have been digitally colonised:Technology Products Consumption in Africa,Technology and Security in Africa,Data storage and management in Africa,Technology Entrepreneurship in Africa. I look around Africa and i see no technology product of African origin that is serving the tech needs of the people ,not to talk of ones for export,still our technology consumption is very high in Africa.Our countries have turned into a digital dumping ground for used and out dated tech stuffs. Right now as you are reading this, if you are in Africa, look around where you are,can you identify any Made in Africa Tech Product?That is how deep the truth of the matter is.From the websites we visit daily to thecars we drive,the computers and laptops,servers, our mobilephones with the sim cards,you name them, to even the smallest of gadgets. They are shipped to us from other nations. None is made in Africa and yet we take so much delight in promoting and associating ourselves with the Global brands of other continents; have you ever given this a thought? It’seven a bigger shame when you find out that most times it is Africans in diaspora that drive those tech developments around the world, why can’t we use our knowledge and experience to develop our Africa viatechnology. I see many African intellectuals all over the world, with PhDswith no invention to their credit, no contribution whatever to the development of Africa. All they do is speak and give speeches at forums without any thought of how to move the continent forward. I see them as academic derelicts of African descent!I began to imagine-What do Africans use their PhDs for?To suppress their brothers and sisters? While others improve the lives of their brothers and sisters in other continents. Yes,i know there are several reasons why no one should live in Africa,from bad government to bad policies but those are the same reasons that keep bringing investors(oyibos) into Africa to explore what the people do not know exist with them. True development in Africa can only be done by Africans. Let’s briefly look at Security and Technology in Africa,since we cannot develop our technologies in Africa;our technology needs for National security and critical information management in Africa like inour central and commercial banks,stock exchanges,Government information system,Military and defenseinformation system, other vital information of the state,who handles them?Whatsoftwarerunsthem? Many interesting questions that can come out of this.These important aspect of security in Africa are always outsourced to India,China, US or other tech savvy nations. For example,Nigeria launched her second satellites with critical information management outsourced to China because we don’t have what it takes to handle such. That has clearly put us at the mercy of China and the government seems not to know the implications of such in time to come.It has very graveconsequences and cracks on thesovereignty and the ability of Africa to really protect,control and manage herterritories. The Governments have failed to make the needed investment to grow her local technology, at last they lose control of their countries and at the end everyone is asking why African nations arewar-torn. I watch with keen interest the controlling effect of technologies in developed economies ,this have made the government of such tech savvy nations fully interested in these technology companies and their well being. They are seen as a national pride and they represent the future of those countries. Their government goes ahead to protect them against international influences, i remember vividly when Google was having issues in China, itwas not only a fight for Google but American government plays key role in that.We have also witnessed theCanadian government throw her full support at RIM/Blackberrry as their national pride.Across the African countries, where lies our national pride in technology?Which brand can we export to the world that can stand as a global brand in technology,that’s what am talking about.We have no pride in Technology all over the world,we are all dependants and that is digital slavary. In recent times following the exponential growth in Mobile related businesses in Africa,We have all agreed that the future of Africa lies in Mobile,yes,I agree but how many African companies will benefit directlyfrom these mobile boom.It is clear that the people that will directly benefit are the equipment manufacturers(like Nokia, Samsung,Blackberry and others), Software and application developers then the network providers.Which among these have Africa entrepreneurs positioned themselves to benefit from? A deeper look into this subject brings us to the question:How is the Internet exchanges in Africa developed?Do we have efficient Internet exchangePoints (IXPs) to route our internet traffic and data carrying our critical resources and information?The Internet Exchange Point is an important infrastructure to be considered in national development. The most worrisome is that this negative effect is handed down from generations to generations;the young generation of African Youthsare the ones to lead the change and make things right despite the daunting challenges. We cannot leave Africa the way we met her,We need to take our destinies in our hands. I applaud several tech based initiatives being powered by Young people across Africa,from Kenya,Ghana,South Africa,Egypt,Nigeria, Zambia,Cameroon to other nations in Africa. In all of these, we should understand where we are now,where we need to be and how to get there. We should also know the type of Start- ups we need in Africa right now to make the needed impact.Startups that can put us in the world map among the comity of nations like Facebook,Google, Twitter etc they are not there to fight their government. I have full conviction that African youths have great potentials that can change the world if harnessed and given the right environment. We need to start encouraging more young people to study Physics, Mathematics, Engineering, Software development, ComputerScience and related courses.We have dearth of competent professionals in these areas. I won’t conclude this without suggesting a few things that we need to do now to avert this perpetual digital enslavement. Africa urgently needs her own technologies,technology companies of global repute and a technology work force to handle all her tech needs. The African Union should see technology as a tool that will leapfrog Africa’s development and therefore develop a pragmatic roadmap for its achievement. The governmet of African nations should develop policies aimed at developing their nations through technology. They should make special preferences for Africa owned technology businesses and give them the support,protection and encouragement to grow into a global brand. Investment in technology development should be a deliberate and conscious effort by all Africans. Our leaders and people in government who have stolen public funds should also have the mind to invest in Africa in the area of technology development rather than stash the money in faraway Swiss boosting other economies. There should be several organisations,government,individuals and businesses who will provide grants,venture funds to young Africans to help them grow their ideas.This is really lacking in Africa.And there lies our furture. And finally our orientation about ourselves should change,we are not inferior in anyway!Viva Africa!!
General News
Zinox Technologies and TD Africa Forge Strategic Partnership to Revolutionize African Tech Ecosystem
In a landmark development set to reshape Africa’s technology landscape, Zinox Technologies, the continent’s leading manufacturer of trusted technology solutions, and TD Africa, Africa’s largest technology and lifestyle distribution powerhouse, formalized a strategic partnership on Friday at an exclusive press conference attended by industry journalists, key stakeholders, and partners from both organizations.
Zinox Technologies and TD Africa
The event, held to officially announce the collaboration and address stakeholder concerns, marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of indigenous African technology, signalling a new era of continental self-reliance and technological excellence.
The partnership brings together two industry titans whose complementary strengths promise to deliver unprecedented value to the African market.
Zinox Technologies has established itself as Sub-Saharan Africa’s premier indigenous technology manufacturer, producing internationally certified devices that rival global brands while addressing Africa’s unique technological needs.
TD Africa, with its extensive distribution network spanning 43 nations in the continent and expanding, has become the preferred gateway for leading global technology brands including HP, Microsoft, Dell, and Cisco.
This alliance represents more than a business transaction; it harmonizes Zinox’s precision-engineered hardware with TD’s formidable distribution infrastructure to bridge the digital divide, deliver rugged, energy-efficient innovation to the very heart of Africa’s schools, industries, and homes.
Speaking at the event, Chioma Chimere, Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, articulated the strategic rationale behind the partnership with evident conviction. “Today represents a moment where Africa meets Africa,” she declared, emphasizing Zinox’s distinction as an indigenous brand that truly understands and produces to meet the unique needs of the continent.
Chimere highlighted Zinox’s comprehensive product range and their remarkable efficiency, noting that the company’s Made-for-Nigeria approach addresses challenges that foreign manufacturers often overlook.
“We are proud to partner with a brand that doesn’t just import solutions but engineers them specifically for our reality,” she added, expressing gratitude to all stakeholders for participating in this historic collaboration.
The event’s opening address set the tone for what promises to be a transformative partnership. The gathering provided partners and the public with comprehensive insights into how this alliance will enhance market access, product availability, and technological solutions across the continent.
Chioma Nwoke, Executive Director, Human Resources Head at Zinox Technologies, offered a compelling vision of the partnership’s broader implications for African technological sovereignty.
She articulated Zinox’s founding vision, to create dependable standards of technology, and traced the company’s evolution from its inception to its current position as a leader in indigenous manufacturing.
“This partnership sends a powerful signal to the market that African technology can compete, innovate, and lead,” Nwoke emphasized.
She stressed that this collaboration transcends mere commercial transactions, encompassing digital education, enterprise development, and nation-building through technology.
“Zinox will continue manufacturing global-standard products, and Africa will be sustained by partnerships like this that demonstrate our capability and commitment to technological independence,” she affirmed.
Moses Edoh, Head of Research and Development at Zinox Technologies, provided technical insights into the company’s diverse product portfolio and the philosophy driving their design approach.
He explained how Zinox, iTEC, and iPower brands compete successfully with foreign manufacturers by creating products tailored to specific customer needs.
“We were the first to produce and introduce hybrid inverters in Nigeria,” Edoh noted, “and every product in our lineup is designed to address the unique challenges Nigerians face daily.”
The Zinox product ecosystem showcases remarkable breadth and innovation. Their technology lineup features cutting-edge All-in-One Smart Boards, PCs with various specifications, tablets, desktops, monitors, and Point-of-Sale systems.
The iPower renewable energy division offers an impressive array of solutions including the Megaforce 125W, GridPro 50KW, Bijimi 30KW, Premium 11KW, Infiniti, Plus, iPower X, iPower Ascend All-in-One, Ascend, Matrix All-in-One, 3KG MPPT Solar Charge Controller, 665 Watts Bifacial Topcon Panel, various monocrystalline panels ranging from 320-550 Watts, multiple battery technologies (lithium, tubular, gel), solar street lights, and portable power banks.
The iTEC brand delivers power generating sets with 100% copper winding, while their consumer electronics range includes AI QLED Smart TVs from 33″ to 95″, microwave ovens, and rechargeable fans.
The testimonials from existing partners underscored the quality and durability of Zinox products. Engineer Anthony Anigbogu, Chief Executive Officer of Orbit Business shared his remarkable experience with an iPower hybrid inverter that served him faithfully for twelve years, only requiring replacement when he needed higher capacity. Such testimonials validate Zinox’s commitment to manufacturing products built for longevity.
Partners called for increased awareness campaigns, noting that many Nigerians continue relying on foreign brands despite having access to Nigerian-made solutions tailored to their unique needs. They pledged to actively promote these indigenous products within their networks.
With TD Africa’s expansive distribution network now channelling Zinox’s comprehensive product range, customers across the continent gain expanded access to world-class, Africa-optimized technology solutions.
Partners of both organizations stand to benefit enormously from this synergy, gaining access to innovative offerings including JOI (Just Own It) for individual consumers, TaaS (Technology as a Service) for corporate clients, and PaS (Product as a Service), among other solutions designed to make technology more accessible and affordable.
For organizations and individuals interested in exploring partnership opportunities or learning more about these innovative solutions, you can send an email to [email protected], with comprehensive information also available on their website.
This partnership represents not just a business alliance but a declaration of African technological capability, a testament that the continent can manufacture, distribute, and sustain world-class technology solutions designed by Africans, for Africans.
One a quiet Wednesday, February 22, 1956, in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli, Imo State, the family of Chief and Lolo Ebenezer Ekeh leaped for joy at the birth of Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh- their second son.
Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh
His birth was both cosmic, and disruptive as his journey down this 70 years on earth has proven.
Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh, popularly know as Leo Stan Ekeh or LSE is human by birth but profound, rare and has higher consciousness.
Imbued with deep intuition, intense creativity, and compassionate nature, Leo Stan possesses critical thinking ability.
He has relentless drive to succeed across multiple facets of life. This is a self-made construct driven by his deep spiritual and purposeful living, rather than just mere survival.
Despite the recurring and abrupt reversal of government policies, which leave companies including his hemorrhaging, Leo Stan has remained committed and actively participate in the development and nation-building of Nigeria.
Am one of the lucky people to have known him up close and personal for nearly 30 years.
He has endured lots of back biting and campaigns of calumny from competitors and even betrayals from least expected people.
But his tenacity makes him stand firm on his beliefs regardless of feelings, or circumstances.
He has stumbled in businesses, failed in some ventures; but he always get right up. At one point, he nearly lost his head selling international commodities.
LSE takes every loss with equanimity as a dogged fighter.
A serial entrepreneur and with eyes for great minds, Leo Stan does not just walk through life; he leaves a trail of light, lifting everyone around him with kindness and wisdom. And there are testimonials.
For me, he is a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope. My benefactor.
He is also a benefactor to many. He has a way of making associates feel vital, loved, and valued.
Today is his Platinum Birthday but his roads have not always been paved with gold.
His early life was as ordinary as it can be, LSE attended Holy Ghost College, Owerri for his secondary education.
During his early years, he wanted to own the biggest transport company in Nigeria.
He later went to India for his university education, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Punjab University.
Leo Stan believes that studying in India was a great turning point in his life because he found the economy of India a realistic economy”.
He later also earned an MSc in Risk Management from the University of Nottingham.
At 70, he attained his height by trust in God, determination and CAN DO attitude.
Today, his business opinions and advisory are welcome around the world.
Leo Stan once told me “I saw myself from the beginning even when my parents were alive as an orphan. It drives me.”
He has three brothers and two sisters, His mother was a dietitian, and his father was a nurse
“I come from a lineage of people who served God dedicatedly. I am a miracle child and I remember my mother had always predicted that I would be great. I have siblings but I live my life as if I am the only child of my parents” he said
He believes that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world.
His solid prints in the business world is well documented. He has his hands in his hands in several businesses including ICT, e-commerce, broadcasting, oil and gas, media publishing and real estate.
Leo Stan is a man of many firsts: he pioneered a new world of digital economy at a time the country was deeply analogue both in the workplace and in schools.
The Nigerian media industry, from advertising to newspapers, owes him much gratitude for changing their operational processes and methodologies from mundane, medieval analogue to the robust and elegant digital platform.
Within 30 years, he has transformed a start-up that sprouted from a make-shift apartment that also doubled as his home into a digital conglomerate with incursions into oil and gas, entertainment and property.
Leo Stan started Zinox Technologies Limited in 2001 to manufacture computers.
He ensured that at launch Zinox Computers already had the WHQL certification, the first in sub-Saharan Africa, consolidated 5 years later with the attainment of the NIS ISO 2000: 9001 QMS Certification.
In October 2013, the company announced the production of its computer tablet line named Zipad
Task Systems, Technology Distributions Limited, Konga (Africa’s foremost truly composite e-commerce outpost combining offline-online mix in service delivery), Konga Radio, and TD Mobile, to name a few, complete the ensemble of businesses in his thriving conglomerate.
In all his companies, there is a growth pathway for every employee.
He deliberately creates a system that rewards every hardworking and dedicated employee.
From drivers sponsored to universities and returning to the conglomerate as degree holders to persons who joined the organisation as janitors working their way up the corporate ladder, he has brought his humanity to bear on people around him.
Making some lowly staff home-owners and sponsoring indigent students to universities at home and abroad comes to him as a routine.
Just a few days ago, ahead of his 70th birthday, he offered University scholarships to additional 1,000 Nigerian indigent wizkids to study Computer Science in Federal Universities. He is committing about N10 billion to the scholarship scheme.
This is so the country’s private and public sectors have a new generation of tech wizkids to support the economy’s growth.
Recall that his group has trained and retrained over 3000 Nigerians and donated tech centres to over 25 institutions nationwide just to mention a few.
The former alter boy and chorister in his local community Catholic Church at Ubomiri, now a multi-billionaire, has stayed humble.
He draws a distinct line between capitalism and welfarism.
Leo Stan is great man, a leader with unparalleled integrity and a heart of gold.
He has earned over 6o international and local awards over many years of incisive entrepreneurship, was equally singled out and honoured by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the occasion of Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary on October 1, 2001 with an ICON OF HOPE award as a pride to modern Nigeria and as a model for Nigerian youths.
Again, President Obasanjo honoured him with another national award – the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) in 2003.
A Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society, the umbrella body of all computer associations in Nigeria, he was also awarded the pioneer ICT Personality of the Year by this professional body.
In November 2019, Ekeh was honoured by President Muhammadu Buhari with the National Productivity Order of Merit award for his sustained leadership in the area of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
With over four Doctorate Degrees (Honorary) and fifteen fellowships from recognized institutions and as a former global advisor to Microsoft, as well as Forbes Best of Africa Leading Tech Icon Award his outstanding entrepreneurship.
Leo Stan is Ochiririozuo Ubomiri, Ebekuo Dike, Ideato and Iyi of Mbaitoli
Africa’s trading community is rapidly growing, evolving, and showing increasing interest in financial markets. From Lagos to Nairobi, from Accra to Johannesburg, more and more people are exploring financial markets as a way to develop skills, earn income, and participate in the global economy. But the ability to trade isn’t enough; traders also need reliable technology, fair conditions, and tools that help them make informed decisions and trade effectively.
JustMarkets
This is where trading platforms like JustMarkets make a significant contribution to the development and expansion of the trading community in the African region.
By combining global market access with a results-oriented trading environment, JustMarkets helps African traders compete head-to-head with those in the world’s largest financial centers, providing access to tight spreads, a wide range of analytical materials, and a variety of account types.
Breaking Barriers to Global Markets
For years, traders in emerging markets have faced limitations: slow platforms, a limited range of instruments, low liquidity, wide spreads, and infrastructure that hinders professional trading and effective analysis. Today, JustMarkets addresses this significant gap by providing African traders with access to a wide range of global financial instruments through a single, optimized online platform.
Now traders have the opportunity to test short-term strategies, long-term portfolio diversification, and learn how markets work. Traders can now explore opportunities in forex, commodities, indices, and stock markets without geographic barriers or technical difficulties.
A Trading Platform Built for Performance
Technology plays a critical role in modern trading. Market conditions can change in seconds, and execution speed often makes the difference between opportunity and missed entry. The JustMarkets leading trading platform is designed to support fast, confident decisions in real time.
Ultra-fast execution. Engineered for low-latency order processing, the app helps ensure trades are executed quickly and efficiently when markets move.
Full risk management. Stop-loss, take-profit, and position sizing can be managed directly from the chart, helping traders stay disciplined and protect capital.
Advanced charting. Interactive charts, multiple timeframes, drawing tools, and built-in indicators provide the analytical depth needed for informed trading decisions.
Real-time alerts. Instant notifications about price movements, order events, and key market developments help traders stay connected even when they’re away from the screen.
Secure authentication. Biometric login, encrypted data transmission, and advanced internal security protocols ensure that accounts and personal data remain protected.
This combination of speed, usability, and security makes professional-grade trading accessible from anywhere, even on the go with JustMarkets mobile trading app.
Trade a Wide Range of Global Markets
Access to diverse instruments allows traders to adapt to different market conditions and explore multiple strategies. JustMarkets provides African traders with the ability to participate in major asset classes worldwide.
Forex. Trade major, minor, and exotic currency pairs with competitive pricing and deep liquidity.
Gold & Metals. Access precious metals such as XAUUSD and XAGUSD, popular instruments for active traders and those seeking exposure to global macro trends with competitive spreads.
Indices. Engage with leading global stock indices including the S&P 500, NASDAQ, Dow Jones, DAX, and FTSE – markets that reflect the performance of major economies.
Stocks. Trade shares of global companies and high-volume market leaders, opening opportunities to follow international corporate trends.
Energy. Speculate on key energy commodities such as WTI and Brent crude oil, instruments often influenced by geopolitical and macroeconomic developments.
This broad market selection helps traders diversify and respond flexibly to changing global conditions.
Supporting Trader Development
Expanding technical, educational, and analytical capabilities extends beyond technology. JustMarkets also places a special emphasis on helping traders build knowledge and confidence. Access to educational materials, market analysis, and structured risk management tools fosters a more disciplined and informed approach to trading, including setting trading goals.
For many African traders, this means moving from random speculation and emotional trades to a more professional mindset, and most importantly, understanding that long-term success depends on strategy, risk management, continuous learning, and a cool head.
Connecting Africa to the Global Financial Ecosystem
Financial markets are becoming increasingly interconnected, with traders from all regions now participating in the same global capital flow. Offering advanced tools such as flexible leverage, fast order execution, and broad access to markets and trading assets, the JustMarkets online trading platform helps African traders become active participants in this ecosystem with full access to analytical and educational materials, as well as cutting-edge technological solutions for managing trades, accounts, and open positions. JustMarkets’ commitment to empowering traders, increasing financial literacy, and enabling people to engage with global markets on a level playing field. As the African trading community grows, online trading platforms like JustMarkets, which combine performance, accessibility, and security, will play a key role in this process. But pay attention that risk management still is a key to success as CFD trading involves risks.
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