General News
Piracy Hinders Investment in Nigeria-Takang
Dr. Armstrong A. Takang, managing director/chief executive officer of TSC Limited Nigeria, has over 15 years of worldwide experience in the provision of ICT consulting, project management and implementation services across multiple industry segments. He has worked and provided consulting services for such reputable organizations across the globe and in Nigeria provided consulting services to Intel, Microsoft, The World Bank Group, The European Commission, Federal Government of Nigeria, United Bank for Africa (UBA), One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Foundation, Lagos State Government and so on. Takang spoke to Hilary okeke
Local Content and Software Development
First, let me start by talking generally about software and then I will come to discussing how we can leverage on local content. There are different areas of software development. One area is software systems – software products that are designed to control different systems; for instance, Microsoft Vista Operating System, used in controlling the activities within a computer. You also have embedded systems – such as intelligent systems embedded in our cars, phones. These typically are within the category of operating systems and are driven by the device manufacturers. The second category of software is software applications. In other words, these are software products that automate different business processes.
For instance, the productivity tool, word processing, presentation, spreadsheets – Microsoft Office. These are software applications because they automate the whole processes on a computer. You also have accounting applications used by accountants to run business. The important area is content; content that is produced using software platforms. If you look at digitising content for primary or secondary school or language based, religious based or politics based content, to enlighten our people; typically you will use different software platforms to do that. That is a third area where you can apply software. So within that spectrum, where do we believe that a lot of our indigenous companies can play a big role? They can play a big role across the 3 categories of software which is the Operating Systems, the Software applications and the Content. Where we believe the greatest opportunities exist for indigenous companies is building software for content – Nigerian content. That is the area where they have the greatest advantage. If you have a foreign company come here, they do not have as much knowledge and a good grasp of the peculiarities of our environment as much as the indigenous companies. So, content is the area where we believe a lot of the efforts; a lot of the awareness; a lot of the investments need to be driven to ensure that the Nigerian companies are well positioned to develop the content that can be used in different areas – schools, offices, social networking, learning, processing of transactions on the Internet, among others.
How to Achieve Local Content
There are different ways that can be achieved. First, Government has to play a key role in creating awareness that the software industry is one that is critically important for the development of the Nigerian economy. This has to become part of Government’s mandate; they need to focus a lot on enlightening Nigeria, enlightening companies in Nigeria about the opportunities that exist in that area. The second thing that has to happen is that a lot Nigerian companies themselves need to step up to the game to understand what it takes to play in that area; carve out a niche for themselves, build the resource base, have the capacity in terms of the people who are skilled and have the tools to actively participate in that sector. The third thing that has to happen is that there is a need to create the right financial structures and enabling environment for our financial institutions to invest in that sector. Unfortunately, a lot of them do not understand it and in investment, the golden rule is that if you do not understand an area, do not invest in it. Until when that is applied in the software sector, a lot of the investment companies or banks are reluctant in making investments there since they do not understand that business mode. So there is the need to enlighten the banks so that they would be able to invest in it because without that type of investment in that sector, it would be difficult to achieve the kind of objectives or targets that we need to achieve as a nation. The individual companies may have the skill sets, they have the intellect to do that work, but like every other business, you need the capital investment to grow at the skill that you need to grow; you need the capital investment to form and sustain a viable entity that develop these products and be able to ensure that they succeed out there in the market. So, lack of financial backup is a big challenge. The other challenge is really a re-orientation of the Nigerian consumer. Generally, Nigerian consumers thinks that a made in Nigeria product is of inferior quality compared to one that is made outside Nigeria. We have to be very honest with ourselves. This is a key barrier and needs to be properly addressed.
Protecting Intellectual Property
There are laws in place in place that to some extent, amend to curb the abuse of intellectual property, which is going to be a key determinant of success of the Software industry. There is a lot more that has to be done and I would say that there is no one size fits all approach – there has to be multiple approaches to curb the piracy issue. There is the issue of technology which can also be used to curb piracy. The second aspect of it is actually the legal and regulatory framework that is needed and the ability to enforce those laws because it is one thing having a law and it is another thing enforcing those laws and for people to be aware that if they break that law, they would be penalized accordingly. Government has a key role to play, not really the industry. The penalty for technology industry players found guilty of Software piracy should be stiffer than that for individual consumers because the effects of a corporate entity pirating Software is usually several times more than the effect of an individual doing the same thing. The ability to stop piracy would greatly determine whether or not people are going to invest in that area because nobody wants to spend hundred of millions of Naira to develop a product that someone else can just copy within an hour or two and start replicating them, making money. So, clearly the law needs to change to be able to address that challenge; that is critical and needs to be done.
Competent IT Workforce in Nigeria
The first one is to really go back to our educational institutions and ensure that we have programmes in place which would enable those institutions produce high quality human capital through influencing the curriculum in terms of the content of the courses that they teach, determining the type of project works that are given to those students so that they can actually gain relevant practical experience from those project works. We also need to ensure that those educational institutions have close working relationship with the private sector – the industry, so that they would have an opportunity of actually spending some time in those private companies to understand how the real world works. There is always a risk that a lot of people in the academia are out of touch because they really do not live in the real world. So, they need to create exchange programmes not only for the students but also for the lecturers themselves to give them the opportunity to work in the industry; in private sector companies and that is a good way of strengthening the educational institutions. Secondly, for those that are already out of the educational institutions and are out there in the job market, what can we do for them? There is a programme that we have been advocating which we call ‘Technology Finishing School’ whereby Nigerian youth are being given an opportunity to be exposed to technology, not only as consumers but as producers. They become a part of the supply side of it; they would have the knowledge, skills and tools to fully participate in the Information and Communications Technology area as the service providers. In that case, you do not need to have an Engineering or Science background to be part of it because the beauty of the ICT sector is that it welcomes contributions from people with diverse academic backgrounds. The Finishing school would provide an opportunity for Nigerians from diverse academic background and profile, to be merged into the ICT industry whereby they would have something to contribute to the pool of knowledge. What would be required is for them to be given some basic grounding in that area so that they can do well in that space. The third thing that needs to be done is really using the whole concept of catching them young. We need to develop a technology culture from primary school. We need to ensure that the technology culture is imbibed by the teacher, the students as well as the administrators. Sooner than later, literacy is going to be redefined not in terms of whether or not you can read and write, but in your ability to use the computer to carry out various operations. And so, we need to re-orientate the educational system to ensure that the effective use of technology becomes part and parcel of learning in primary school, teaching, as well as administering in those schools. The Technology Finishing School is created for those who have graduated in diverse areas and are interested in upgrading their technology capability. Technology is introduced to these kids as early as Primary One so that by the time they are through with Primary school, the use of technology is part of them – it becomes equivalent to being able to read and write. That way, those who want to specialize in specific areas such as Software Engineering, Programming, Designing; would already have some basic grounding to be able to do that. Even if they do not go to the University, they already have a lot to offer and if we can do that, we have created a critical mass that is needed to serve as a feeder system into the industry to enable us have not only the number of people who are qualified but the quality of those people to fully participate in that industry, not only within Nigeria but also outside the country. Our view is that there is a lot Government can do in creating or at least, catalyzing the uptake of the Technology Finishing School programme. It does not necessarily have to be the one to conduct those programmes, but what Government can do is to actually provide the enabling environment and incentives for private sector operators to take ownership of that and operate those schools.
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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