Leo Stan Ekeh, the Chairman of Zinox Group, a prominent African technology conglomerate, delivered a compelling message to aspiring Nigerian entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of long-term vision and systemic development over the pursuit of rapid wealth accumulation. Ekeh’s address, delivered to a group of young business leaders, drew upon his extensive experience in building a successful enterprise within the challenging landscape of the Nigerian economy. He underscored the need for a patriotic approach to entrepreneurship, one that prioritizes the creation of sustainable systems that contribute to national prosperity over individual gain. His message served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of businesses that are built on strong foundations and driven by a commitment to lasting impact.
Ekeh’s own entrepreneurial journey began with a pivotal decision. Despite receiving lucrative job offers from international tech giants, including Apple, following his postgraduate studies in computer science at Cork City University in Ireland, he chose to return to Nigeria. This decision, he explained, was driven by a desire to build faith in Nigeria’s nascent digital economy and equip future generations with the tools to navigate the evolving technological landscape. He recognized the immense potential within Nigeria and chose to contribute to its growth rather than pursue personal comfort abroad. This commitment to his homeland laid the foundation for the Zinox Group’s success and cemented Ekeh’s legacy as a pioneer in the Nigerian tech industry.
His early endeavors focused on modernizing key sectors of the Nigerian economy. He introduced desktop publishing and computer graphics, revolutionizing the media and advertising industries and transforming the operations of leading companies like Daily Times, Vanguard, University Press, and Longman. These interventions played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s current creative and digital ecosystems, demonstrating the transformative power of technology when applied strategically. Ekeh’s foresight and dedication paved the way for a more digitally advanced Nigeria, laying the groundwork for the vibrant tech sector that exists today.
Furthermore, Ekeh’s strategic partnerships and tireless advocacy brought major global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as HP, Microsoft, Apple, Dell Technologies, and Amazon to the Nigerian market. This fostered a competitive and innovative technology environment that continues to benefit businesses and consumers alike. His efforts helped bridge the gap between global technology leaders and the Nigerian market, creating opportunities for growth and development within the country. By facilitating the entry of these major players, Ekeh helped to create a more robust and dynamic tech ecosystem in Nigeria.
Ekeh’s contributions extended beyond the private sector. He played a significant role in Nigeria’s democratic process through his involvement in the 2010 digital deployment project with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This project, which facilitated the largest single ICT rollout in Africa at the time, demonstrated the transformative potential of technology in strengthening democratic institutions. He also spearheaded similar technology deployments in Guinea-Bissau, further showcasing the regional impact of his work. This commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society highlights Ekeh’s dedication to using his expertise for positive change.
The Zinox Group, under Ekeh’s leadership, has diversified its interests beyond technology, expanding into e-commerce, real estate, pharmaceuticals, entertainment, and manufacturing. This diversification reflects Ekeh’s entrepreneurial vision and his commitment to building a resilient and multifaceted business empire. Despite facing numerous challenges, including personal losses, blackmail, and policy obstacles, Ekeh remained steadfast in his vision to create lasting value for Nigeria. His resilience and unwavering dedication have propelled Zinox Group to become a leading force in various sectors.
In his address to young entrepreneurs, Ekeh cautioned against the allure of short-term wealth and the influence of individuals who prioritize personal gain over national interest. He stressed the importance of true patriotism, which he defined as building systems that contribute to Nigeria’s long-term prosperity. He emphasized the need for discipline, vision, and purpose in building businesses that serve the greater good. Ekeh’s message resonated with the audience, inspiring them to embrace a more sustainable and impactful approach to entrepreneurship. He urged them to focus on building legacies that would benefit generations to come.
Ekeh highlighted the remarkable growth of Nigeria’s digital economy, which has gone from virtually non-existent in the 1990s to contributing nearly 20% to the country’s GDP, supported by 163 million internet users and a thriving fintech sector that processed an astounding N611 trillion in 2023. To further accelerate this growth and empower future generations, Ekeh announced a plan to train 10,000 female tech professionals over the next five years, building upon the 400 women already trained in 2023. This initiative underscores his belief in the importance of inclusivity and the transformative power of education within the technology sector. His commitment to bridging the gender gap in technology demonstrates his dedication to creating a more equitable and prosperous future for Nigeria. He challenged the young entrepreneurs to embrace the future with preparedness, foresight, and a commitment to building systems, people, and a nation they could be proud of. His words served as a powerful call to action, inspiring the next generation of Nigerian business leaders to build a brighter future for their country.
