Digital Encode Named Lead Sponsor Of AfriTECH 6.0 As Rudman, Uzoebo, Obioha Join Speaker Faculty
Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Awards to hold alongside forum on November 13 in Lagos
By Kingsley I. Ilechukwu, Bureau Chief, South West, Nigeria
A Nigerian cybersecurity and information security advisory firm, Digital Encode Limited has emerged as the lead sponsor of the sixth edition of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 6.0), as the organisers announce additional speakers for the continental technology gathering scheduled for November 13, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, south west, Nigeria.
Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) Muhammed Rudman; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF) Uche Uzoebo,; and Chief Executive Officer of Tizel Cybersecurity and Regional Sales Director at Tecom Concepts Limited, Happiness Obioha have joined the speaker line-up.
Earlier, the organisers unveiled EVC/CEO, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Dr. Aminu Maida, alongside Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) Engr. Gbenga Adebayo; Chief Executive Officer of Digital Realty Nigeria Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, and founder of Ixzdore Laboratories Limited, James Agada among the speakers at AfriTECH 6.0.
The forum will convene technology executives, policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to examine how technology can accelerate Africa’s economic transformation under the theme, “The Next US$1 Trillion Opportunity: Building Africa Through Technology.”
The event will also host the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Awards (ATAEx Awards) 2026, recognising organisations and individuals contributing to the development of Africa’s technology ecosystem.
Digital Encode backs Africa’s digital growth agenda
Founded in 2003 by Professor Adewale Peter Obadare, Digital Encode Limited specialises in cybersecurity, information security, and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) advisory services. Its emergence as lead sponsor places cybersecurity and digital trust among the important considerations surrounding Africa’s next phase of technology-led growth.
The company helps organisations protect critical information assets, manage technology risks and meet regulatory and industry compliance requirements. Its services include cybersecurity consulting, vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, digital forensics, information security audits, data protection, network security and compliance advisory.
Serving clients across financial services, telecommunications, fintech and the public sector, Digital Encode provides technical assessments and strategic guidance to help organisations build secure, resilient and trustworthy digital infrastructures.
As African businesses and public institutions expand their adoption of digital platforms, cloud services, financial technologies and artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and risk management have become integral to sustainable digital transformation.
The company’s sponsorship comes as AfriTECH 6.0 seeks to advance conversations about the infrastructure, institutional capacity, investment and partnerships required to unlock the continent’s digital economy potential.
Infrastructure, financial inclusion and cybersecurity on the agenda
The addition of Rudman, Uzoebo and Obioha strengthens the forum’s representation across internet infrastructure, digital financial services and cybersecurity.
Rudman brings extensive experience in telecommunications and internet infrastructure. As the pioneer Chief Executive Officer of IXPN, Nigeria’s first and only neutral internet exchange point, he has contributed to the development of domestic internet interconnection and network infrastructure.
He also serves as Executive President of the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA), which manages Nigeria’s .ng country-code top-level domain, and chairs the Nigeria IPv6 Council. His experience spans network design, implementation, optimisation and operations, alongside participation in national broadband and internet policy initiatives.
His participation is expected to contribute an infrastructure perspective to discussions about the foundations required for Africa’s digital expansion, including connectivity, internet interconnection and the evolution of internet technologies.
Uzoebo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SANEF, brings more than two decades of banking experience, with expertise spanning digital payments, agency banking, merchant acquiring, business development and financial inclusion.
At SANEF, she works within an ecosystem focused on expanding access to financial services through agent networks and digital solutions. Her experience also includes collaboration with regulators, financial service providers, development organisations and government institutions to advance financial and economic inclusion.
Her participation brings attention to the role of accessible digital financial services, distribution networks and innovative payment solutions in extending the benefits of technology to underserved communities, businesses and entrepreneurs, particularly women.
Obioha brings a commercial and enterprise perspective to cybersecurity and technology adoption. As Chief Executive Officer of Tizel Cybersecurity and Regional Sales Director at Tecom Concepts Limited, her experience spans cybersecurity, enterprise technology solutions, strategic sales, business development and client relationship management.
She has held business development and management roles across technology consulting and enterprise solutions, including at DATASIXTH Consulting, CBC EMEA, A3&O Limited and NovaTrack Limited.
Her experience at the intersection of cybersecurity and business strategy offers a perspective on how secure technology infrastructure, strategic partnerships and enterprise solutions can support digital transformation and sustainable business growth.
Building Africa’s next trillion-dollar digital economy
AfriTECH 6.0 comes at a time when digital technologies are creating new opportunities for African businesses, financial institutions and public-sector organisations. However, infrastructure deficits, fragmented regulatory environments, constraints on access to capital and persistent digital inclusion gaps continue to limit the scale and reach of these opportunities.
The forum’s central question is how Africa can translate its digital potential into measurable economic value through investments in infrastructure, scalable technology businesses, supportive policy frameworks and stronger collaboration across markets.
“For five years, AfriTECH has been a room where the real conversations happen,” said Co-Convener of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum Chike Onwuegbuchi,.
“With this sixth edition, we are raising the ambition. The trillion-dollar question is not rhetorical; it is a challenge we are asking every person in that room to help answer with precision, with honesty, and with actionable direction.”
Across its previous editions, AfriTECH has brought together senior executives from banking, fintech, telecommunications and technology companies, alongside regulators, policymakers, founders, investors and media professionals.
The sixth edition will build on that platform by encouraging conversations that connect technology investment and innovation with the practical requirements for economic growth, market expansion and improved digital access across Africa.
Previously announced speakers include Maida, Adebayo, Nnamani and Agada, as detailed in the organisers’ earlier announcement published by Techeconomy. Their participation adds to the growing line-up of industry voices expected at the forum.
ATAEx Awards to celebrate excellence in Africa’s technology ecosystem
The Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Awards (ATAEx Awards) 2026 will take place alongside AfriTECH 6.0 on November 13, bringing recognition to organisations and individuals contributing to the continent’s technology development and digital transformation.
The awards complement the forum’s broader objectives by highlighting achievements across the technology ecosystem and drawing attention to the people, businesses and institutions helping to shape Africa’s digital future.
By combining industry dialogue with recognition of technology excellence, the event seeks to create a platform for exchanging ideas, strengthening professional relationships and showcasing contributions to the continent’s evolving digital economy.
Partnership and media participation
AfriTECH 6.0 and the ATAEx Awards 2026 are open to sponsors, partners, delegates and members of the press.
Organisations interested in sponsorship, partnership and exhibition opportunities, as well as individuals and institutions seeking to participate in the forum, are encouraged to contact the organising team for further information.
The event is scheduled to hold at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki Road, Lagos, on November 13, 2026. Participation is free; however, attendees are expected to register at: https://africatechallianceforum.africa/
