News
Ekeh, Nigerian Tech Visionary Donates Modern Tech Centres to IMSU, St. Augustine University

Leo Stan Ekeh, who is on Forbes Best of Africa leading Tech Icon and chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, has donated a state-of-the-art training centre to Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri and St. Augustine University Epe, lagos state.

The philanthropist has been on a mission to empower future generations.
Both centres named the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) Centre, was unveiled on Thursday, April 4, at a grand ceremony held at the respective institutions.
The two events were graced by their respective Vice Chancellors, DVCs, Senate and Council Members and very esteemed academics of the respective institutions.
The LSEF Centre at Imo State University is poised to offer a range of training programs tailored to meet the evolving needs of today’s workforce.
These programs include the Finishing School, Entrepreneurship Boost Training, and specialized courses in Technology and Artificial Intelligence viability.
By equipping students with these essential skills, the centre aims to prepare them for success in their chosen fields and foster a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.
The LSEF Centre, IMSU shall connect with achieved private sectors leaders across the world who shall with the power of technology deployed at the centre inspire and instigate success revolution in Imo state.
Select students shall have the opportunity to develop well-rounded skillsets that will propel them towards success in their chosen career paths.
Prof. U. U. Chukwumaeze (SAN), Vice Chancellor of IMSU who was full of praises for Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh for executing futuristic knowledge centre.
He also informed the full house how Dr. Ekeh intervenes every time they needed help and even recently, he intervened with large number of computers for the institution to scale Accreditation
Also, Prof. Gloria Ernest Samuel, director of the LSEF Centre, said that Dr. Ekeh paid attention to details in setting up the centre including chatting with her on Saturdays and Sundays.
It was a privilege to experience this tech Entrepreneur.
He adds style to details, and this is why the feel of the centre is right. He will always stress that he was interested in content and not brick and mortar
The St. Augustine University centre, Epe in Lagos is a great display of the power of technology equipped with top of the range of All-in-One Zinox computers, tablets, smart boards etc.
In his vote of thanks at the launch of the centre, Prof Christopher Odetunde, Vice- Chancellor, talked about spirituality of commitment from Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh to lift the younger ones. This was a recent promise kept beyond our expectation and prayed that the country should be filled with persons like Dr. Ekeh.
Dr. Steve Omojiafor, chairman of Board of Trusties of the institution, who recounted Dr. Ekeh quiet style of interventions said he was sure Dr. Ekeh shall remember the institutions one day in his philanthropic ventures and I am very happy he has and prayed God to continue to bless him more.
The most interesting part of commissioning the two centres sameday, within same time was the use of quality Artificial Intelligence deployed at these centres and remotely powered from Zinox Group Head quarters(Yudala Heights) on Idowu Martins street, Victoria Island where Dr. Ekeh was sitting and monitoring happenings at the two campuses and delivered his short speeches.
He was consistent with his statement -that he was determined to build a new generation of Nigerians who shall have the capacity to alter their destinies and defend their wealth.
He also assured both institutions management that he shall turn the centres in two years as completed AI powered centres so that every student before matriculate must spend eights hours at these centres.
Leo Stan Ekeh’s philanthropic gesture underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing education and empowering the youth.
Through the LSEF Centre, he seeks to provide students with access to high-quality training and mentorship, thereby enabling them to unleash their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
Leo Stan Ekeh is a true pioneer in the Nigerian and African technology space. He has earned an indelible reputation for his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing the continent’s digital infrastructure. His accomplishments extend far beyond the LSEF centre donation.
Notably, Mr. Ekeh spearheaded the team that delivered the largest single ICT project in Africa, a testament to his unwavering commitment to technological advancement.
As the chairman of Zinox Group, Africa’s largest ICT conglomerate, he has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking initiatives which have revolutionized the continent’s technological landscape.
Mr. Ekeh is a renowned philanthropist and a strong advocate for youth empowerment.
Through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation, he actively supports initiatives that bridge the digital divide and equip young people with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.
Speaking about the initiative, Leo Stan Ekeh expressed his profound belief in the power of education to transform lives and drive socio-economic development.
He emphasized the importance of equipping students with relevant skills and competencies to thrive in today’s fast-paced world.
“This centre embodies my deep commitment to nurturing the talents of our young people. By equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can empower them to become the architects of a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa,” he said.
Through this philanthropic initiative, Mr. Ekeh hopes to inspire a new generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
The LSEF Centre serves as a beacon of opportunity, empowering students at Imo State University to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s future.
The establishment of the LSEF Centre marks a significant milestone in Imo State University’s journey towards academic excellence and innovation.
As the university continues to strive for excellence, the LSEF Centre will serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations of students to come.
News
African Tech Start-ups to Receive $46m of Speedinvest Africa Fund

African technology start-ups will receive a $46 million (€40 million) commitment from EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

The funds will be deployed through the first Africa-focused investment vehicle from European venture capital (VC) firm Speedinvest.
The Speedinvest Africa Fund, which has a total target size of €200 million, targets companies across innovation hubs in Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.
It also invests in high-potential markets, including Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The investment strengthens EU–Africa ties, supports digital transformation, and promotes inclusive economic growth, says the EIB.
The strategy is designed to improve digital and financial inclusion while enabling start-ups to scale across borders by strengthening linkages between African and European ecosystems. Technology has the power to turn good ideas into real impact, says Karl Nehammer, vice-president of the EIB.
By backing this vehicle, it is enabling African innovators to scale, access new markets, and build sustainable businesses, says Nehammer.
The fund focuses on technology-enabled and mobile-based services across payments, healthcare, mobility, and education.
This aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway priorities and is expected to deliver social benefits, including job creation for youth and expanded access to digital banking for underserved communities.
At least 30% of the vehicle’s capital will support companies advancing gender equality, including those with women as founders, employees, or consumers.
With EIB Global support, the firm is deepening its long-term commitment to backing founders across Africa while strengthening enduring bridges between Africa and Europe, says Oliver Holle, CEO and managing partner of Speedinvest.
Speedinvest has previously backed African growth-stage companies, including mobility fintech Moove and digital bank FairMoney.
By combining a local presence with a European network of operators, sector expertise, and follow-on capital, the firm aims to help founders scale regionally and internationally, says Holle.
The fund will be managed by partners Deepali Nangia and Rana Abdel Latif, with a new African office planned to support its local operations.
News
U.S. Charges Three in $2.5 Billion Plot to Smuggle Nvidia AI Chips to China

Three individuals connected to a US tech firm have been indicted by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) for their alleged role in a massive scheme to smuggle billions of dollars worth of restricted Nvidia AI chips to China, bypassing strict export controls.

Nvidia Chip
Prosecutors accuse the suspects of using fake documents, dummy equipment, and even hair dryers to tamper with labels in a bid to dodge compliance checks.
The plot centred on high-performance semiconductors from Nvidia, which are tightly regulated by the US due to fears they could boost China’s military and AI capabilities.
Yih-Shyan “Wally” Liaw, a US citizen and co-founder of California-based Super Micro Computer (a server maker), has been charged alongside two Taiwanese nationals: Ting-Wei “Willy” Sun and Ruei-Tsang “Steven” Chang (who remains at large).
The group reportedly partnered with a Southeast Asian firm to order servers packed with banned chips. They falsified records claiming the gear would stay in Asia, but repackaged and shipped it covertly to China.
Tactics included deploying thousands of fake “dummy” servers for audits, while real restricted tech was diverted. Sun allegedly used household hair dryers to swap serial numbers and labels.
Super Micro Computer confirmed the suspects’ links but stressed it faces no charges and is aiding the probe.
The DOJ estimates the intermediary bought $2.5 billion in equipment, illegally funneling vast amounts of controlled AI tech to China without licences.
This case underscores escalating US-China tech rivalry, where advanced chips are viewed as vital for national security and economic edge.
In a parallel probe, two Chinese nationals were earlier charged for rerouting chips via Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and mainland China. US authorities warn of tough penalties for evasion.
This development signals intensified global scrutiny on tech supply chains amid superpower tensions.
News
UK, Nigeria Unveil Three-Year Plan to Combat Immigration Crime

United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed on a three-year strategic plan to tackle organised immigration crime and strengthen border security cooperation.

The initiative was announced in a joint statement by the UK Home Office following the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the UK.
The agreement was signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the framework focuses on combating visa fraud, improving border management systems, and enhancing legal cooperation between both countries.
Under the plan, Nigeria is expected to review its legal framework to impose stricter penalties on immigration-related offences, particularly those involving forged or fraudulent travel documents.
Both countries also pledged to strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms governing visa processing and travel documentation.
A key component of the agreement is the expansion of the UK–Nigeria Organised Immigration Crime Unit, with new memoranda of understanding centred on intelligence sharing and joint operations.
The UK government will further support Nigerian border agencies through training programmes and capacity-building initiatives.
The partnership also places emphasis on the protection of vulnerable migrants, particularly women and children, while enhancing research, document verification systems, and migration monitoring processes through the UK–Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue.
Both governments described the agreement as a reflection of their shared commitment to tackling transnational crime and improving migration management through closer collaboration.
The deal forms part of broader engagements during Tinubu’s visit, which focused on strengthening bilateral relations across security, migration, and economic development.
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