By Digital Encode Limited, a Nigerian cybersecurity and information security advisory firm, is the lead sponsor of the sixth edition of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 6.0).
Muhammed Rudman, Chief Executive Officer of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN); Uche Uzoebo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF); and Happiness Obioha, Chief Executive Officer of Tizel Cybersecurity and Regional Sales Director at Tecom Concepts Limited, have joined the speaker line-up.
Earlier, the organisers unveiled Dr. Aminu Maida, EVC/CEO, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), alongside Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON); Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, Chief Executive Officer of Digital Realty Nigeria, and James Agada, founder of Ixzdore Laboratories Limited, 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 $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.
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.
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 Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum.
“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.”
