The Africa Tech Alliance (ATAEx) Awards 2024 has once again celebrated exceptional achievements in Africa’s technology landscape, honoring individuals, organizations, and initiatives driving digital transformation, innovation, and inclusivity.
The highlight of this year’s awards was the recognition of Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), who received the prestigious Digital Transformation Leadership Award. Abdullahi was commended for his pivotal role in reshaping Nigeria’s technology landscape, fostering innovation, and championing inclusive digital progress.
Another standout honoree was Dr. Ayotunde Coker, CEO of OADC and Chairperson of the Africa Data Centres Association, who was awarded the Lifetime Achievement in Data Centre Management. Dr. Coker’s distinguished career has positioned him as a key figure in Africa’s data center industry, with previous leadership at Rack Centre earning him global acclaim and multiple international awards.
Organizations were also celebrated for their contributions to Africa’s tech ecosystem. QNET was named Direct Selling Company of the Year, while DIGITAL REALTY (Nigeria) won Best Data Centre Colocation Provider of the Year. GALAXY BACKBONE LIMITED received the Champion of Public Tech Infrastructure Award, and the INTERNET EXCHANGE POINT OF NIGERIA (IXPN) was recognized as Internet Exchange Point of the Year.
In the emerging technology space, JUDE OZINEGBE, Founder and Convener of Cyberchain, was named Blockchain Advocate of the Year. NeuRaL AI secured the AI Startup of the Year Award, and DIGITAL ENCODE LTD was honored with the African Cybersecurity Mastery Award. InnovationBed Africa was recognized as Africa Tech Community of the Year, highlighting its impact on fostering collaboration and innovation in the tech sector.
Several individuals were acknowledged for their personal contributions to the industry. HAPPINESS OBIOHA, MD/Sales Director of Tecom Concepts Limited, received the Outstanding ICT Solutions & Innovation Personality of the Year Award. CHINENYE ANUFORO of Sun Newspaper was honored with the ICT Innovation Storyteller Award, and MARTIN EKPEKE of ITPulse was recognized for Digital Reporting Excellence. Other notable winners included MONIADE ADENIYI, AYODEJI OGUNMOLA, and OLUWAKAYODE DURODOLA, who received the Trailblazer in Tech, Global Technology Innovator, and Tech Visionary Awards, respectively.
The ATAEx Awards, part of the annual Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH), aim to spotlight the remarkable achievements of tech leaders, policymakers, and innovators who are shaping Africa’s digital future. In his congratulatory message, Co-convener Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi applauded the winners for their contributions.
“Recipients are celebrated not only for their achievements but also for their vision and commitment to leveraging technology for Africa’s development,” he said.
As the 2024 ATAEx Awards conclude, they reaffirm the potential of Africa’s tech ecosystem to drive transformative change across the continent.
