Isola Moses | ����

The African Professionals of Australia (APA) has conferred the title of African Champion of the Year on Dr. Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (MSMD).

The honour is in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the mining sector of the economy, and commitment to Diaspora engagement.

Dr. Alake received the Australia-Africa Diaspora Investment Forum September 5, 2025, held alongside the Africa Down Under (ADU) Mining Conference, in Perth.

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The forum brought together prominent leaders, investors, and professionals from across Africa and the Diaspora for an evening of dialogue and networking at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

Dr. Toyosi Craig, APA WA President, and Mr. Tommy Adebayo, APA Chairman, jointly presented the Certificate of Recognition and the 2025 African Professional Champion of the Year Award to Dr. Alake.

Other dignitaries who attended the event include Ambassador Anwar Muktar and Ambassador Dr. Jane Adams, Consul Generals of Ethiopia and Nigeria, respectively.

Delivering a keynote on behalf of the Minister for MSMD, Segun Tomori, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, disclosed Mr. Martin Imonite, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigeria Solid Minerals Company, reaffirmed Dr. Alake’s commitment to deepening reforms in the solid minerals sector, and strengthening engagement with African professionals globally.

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The forum also featured a panel discussion on investment, business, expert recruitment, and emerging opportunities across Africa.

It further highlighted the increasing role of the Diasporan professionals in advancing the continent’s development.

About APA

The African Professionals of Australia (APA), organisers of the forum, is one of the largest African professional networks in Australia.

Established in 2007, APA has grown to a vibrant membership of more than 1,500 professionals from over 20 African countries, cutting across fields such as medicine, engineering, IT, law, accounting, education, and community development.

The organisation provides a platform for Africans and Australians to connect, share knowledge, and drive both personal growth and collective impact.

Isola Moses | ����

Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), has shown admirable capacity in supervising the building an Artificial Intelligence (AI) scaling hub in the West African country.

This digital project is being executed in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to implement the technology across healthcare, agriculture, and education.

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��DzԲ��ܳ������DzԲԱ𳦳���reports Dr. Tijani has been named to TIME Magazine’s 2025 list of the 100 most influential people in Artificial Intelligence.

The TIME100 AI list highlights global leaders and innovators shaping the development and impact of AI across the global world.

Tijani appears on the list alongside other global figures, including Matthew Prince, CEO of Cloudflare; Elon Musk, founder of xAI; Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI; Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta; and Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon.

In his remarks on the recent announcement, the Minister for FMCIDE, in an X post, said the recognition had reflected Nigeria’s growing role in the global AI ecosystem.

He also stated: “This acknowledgment represents the collective efforts of those who believe in AI’s ability to drive progress.”

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The ongoing AI scaling project enjoys funding from developmental partners, including the World Bank, particularly in regard to the installation of 90,000km of fiber-optic cables, TIME report also said.

The landmark project, when completed, will triple Nigeria’s fiber-optic capacity.

Besides, as Nigerian Minister and statesman, Dr. Tijani is tasked with innovation in the MInistry.

A longtime serial entrepreneur, “Tijani brings a startup mentality to the (Nigerian) Government,” a TIME report also noted.

He as well leads the country’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, which aims to equip three million Nigerians with technical skills by 2027.

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The Minister had told TIME: “We may not have the compute and infrastructure, but we do have the talent.”

The promising 3MTT programme has trained almost 300,000 Nigerians with a mix of its digital platform and 220 in-person learning centres.

It also supports trainees in securing jobs, primarily through partnerships with local and global organisations.

A United Nations-European Union (UN-EU) partnership, for example, has placed fellows in internships, while data labelling companies like Awarri have been hiring graduates.

But to Tijani, training alone won’t address the nation’s needs.

Tijani said: “There’s an opportunity to strengthen the quality of AI by helping to digitise our own reality.”

Besides, several 3MTT graduates are deployed within the Nigerian government to digitise Ministry operations, building datasets that can train AI systems on Nigerian information.

It is recalled that Tijani, April 2025, launched the country’s National AI Strategy, a plan developed with 150 domestic experts to responsibly develop Nigeria’s AI ecosystem.

Elsewhere, he is also overseeing the build-out of a national AI trust to ensure AI remains a priority after he leaves office; an AI scaling hub with the Gates Foundation to implement the technology across healthcare, agriculture, and education; and, with funding from developmental partners like the World Bank, the installation of 90,000km of fiber-optic cables, which would more than triple the country’s fiber-optic capacity.

As many only think of Silicon Valley when it comes to AI, “the reality is, there’s no country where you have the ecosystem that is creating AI without government participation,” Tijani stated.

Isola Moses | ����

TD Africa, a sub-Saharan Africa’s leading technology distributor, again, has raised the bar for the continent’s digital transformation journey by attaining the ISO 42001 (Artificial Intelligence Management Systems) and ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management Systems) certifications.

Zinox Group said the globally recognised certifications, which set the highest benchmarks for responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) deployment and data privacy, will position TD Africa as a pioneer in preparing Africa for an AI-powered future.

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Speaking on the latest milestone, Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TD Africa, stated: “These certifications are not just badges of compliance; they reflect our deep commitment to building Africa’s digital resilience with trust, governance, and accountability at the core.

“At TD Africa, we believe Africa must not remain a passive consumer of global innovation but must actively shape and co-create solutions that reflect our unique realities.”

Mrs. Ekeh said: “From financial inclusion to agriculture, healthcare, and digital governance, AI presents limitless opportunities—our role is to ensure Africa is prepared to harness them responsibly.”

ISO 42001 provides the world’s first governance framework for the ethical and transparent deployment of Artificial Intelligence, ensuring solutions align with human values and global best practices.

Besides, the tech conglomerate noted the ISO 27701 guarantees that TD Africa manages personal data with unmatched integrity and security.

This is an essential pillar in a time where data privacy is increasingly under threat.

For nearly three decades, TD Africa has anticipated and shaped the future of technology on the continent.

The Group noted this is not by chasing trends, but by building enduring structures in the ecosystem.

Beyond its certifications, the company has invested in world-class infrastructure, resilient distribution systems across 47 African countries, and a thriving technology ecosystem.

Its TecHerdemy programme has empowered over 400 women in technology, further cementing its position as a catalyst for inclusive digital growth.

With trusted partnerships with global technology leaders, TD Africa has consistently delivered on its promise to bridge global innovation with African realities.

The attainment of these ISO certifications reinforces its ability to responsibly distribute and support advanced AI technologies across its vast network of resellers.

As the world prepares for the dawn of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) with breakthroughs such as GPT-5, TD Africa is ensuring that Africa is not left behind.

The certifications demonstrate the company’s readiness to give Africa not just access to innovation, but the muscle, discipline, and confidence to use it sustainably.

Mrs.Ekeh further explained: “This achievement is not just about TD Africa.

“It is a milestone for Africa. The global AI conversation cannot be left to Silicon Valley or Beijing alone. Lagos, Nairobi, Accra, Kigali, and Johannesburg must also have a strong voice.

“And TD Africa is proud to amplify that voice. We are no longer waiting for tomorrow to happen; we are preparing tomorrow, today.”

With this bold move, TD Africa has reaffirmed its legacy of leadership in technology distribution, while signalling a new era where Africa plays a decisive role in the global digital renaissance, the company stated.

Isola Moses | ����

Authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have joined millions of Nigerians, and other citizens of the world to celebrate Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), who was recently appointed as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, in Brussels, Belgium.

As one of OAU’s distinguished alumni, Mr. Adeniyi, made history June 28, 2025, during the 145th/146th Sessions of the WCO Council, held in Brussels, the headquarters of the preeminent body overseeing Customs matters worldwide.

With over 185 member countries, the WCO is also responsible for 98 percent of global trade.

The OAU Senate Building

���� reports the member countries of the Council at the sessions unanimously, endorsed NCS Comptroller-General Adeniyi for this prestigious global leadership role.

Applauding his feat, the Management of Obafemi Awolowo University said his appointment marked “a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African continent, being the first Nigerian and one of the few Africans to lead the Council in the WCO’s 73-year history.”

The University noted CG Adeniyi, as the Chairperson of WCO, will provide strategic guidance to the Council, and lead global deliberations on trade facilitation, border security, and customs cooperation.

Describing him as a “consummate professional and widely respected Customs administrator”, Adeniyi, graduated from the Department of International Relations at OAU, Ile-Ife, and has advanced to build a remarkable career in the Nigeria Customs Service.

The academic institution further stated that Adeniyi’s visionary leadership as Comptroller-General of the NCS since 2023, anchored on Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation, has positioned the institution as “a model of progressive reform, growth and innovation in Africa”.

OAU enthusiastically said: “The appointment of CGC Adeniyi is another great feather in the cap of OAU as it depicts the University as a cradle of leadership and innovation, projecting it as a vital contributor to the national, continental, and global academic community.”

It equally noted that Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), is also a product of the foremost University, fondly called “Great Ife” by the students and the institution’s admirers.

The University authorities asserted: “Adeniyi’s appointment to head another important global organisation reinforces the preeminence of OAU as an institution that produces quality leaders at national and global levels.”

VC: Adeniyi’s appointment elevates OAU’s reputation on national, continental and global stage

In his remarks in recognition of this extraordinary achievement, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, congratulated Adeniyi on behalf of the University Management.

Prof. Bamire said: “On behalf of the entire Obafemi Awolowo University community, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to our distinguished alumnus, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his appointment as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation.

“His appointment to this prestigious position shows his exceptional leadership, dedication, and the high regard in which he is held internationally.”

He also stated: “Mr. Adeniyi’s journey from our halls to the pinnacle of global customs administration is a source of immense pride for us.”

The Vice-Chancellor further noted: “This appointment not only honours Mr. Adeniyi but also elevates the reputation of Obafemi Awolowo University on the national, continental, and world stage.

“His ascent to the WCO chairmanship comes at a pivotal moment, as his leadership at the NCS continues to set benchmarks in trade policy, revenue generation and border security.”

Bamire added: “His story is a powerful narrative of excellence, rooted in the academic rigor and values instilled at OAU.

“For current and future students, he stands as an inspiring figure – a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and dedication to service can lead to global impact.”

Gbenga Kayode | ����

Nigeria again, shines on the global stage as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) won the 2025 World Summit on the Information Society’s (WSIS) prize for its Digital Awareness Programme (DAP) project, under Category C3 – Access to Information and Knowledge at an event Monday, July 7, 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The telecoms sector regulatory Commission disclosed that its DAP project, out of the hundreds of projects submitted for this year’s WSIS Prizes Competition, received the highest number of votes in its category, thereby earning it the top honour at the ceremony.

���� reports the NCC programme has equipped secondary schools across the West African country with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources.

The digital skills programme has also provided Internet connectivity to support teaching, learning, and research across Nigeria.

Since inception in 2006, over 300 schools have benefitted from the programme across the six geopolitical zones in the country.

Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, Acting Head of Public Affairs at NCC, stated Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO), received the award during the WSIS Prizes Winners 2025 Ceremony, in Geneva.

In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Maida thanked the hosts, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and WSIS, for recognising Nigeria’s efforts at promoting inclusive digital access across Nigeria.

Ukoha said the EVC/CEO noted that the award would serve as further motivation for the Commission.

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman also stated: “This recognition is more than a celebration of past efforts—it is an encouragement to press forward.

“It affirms that investing in digital inclusion is investing in national development, and that Nigeria’s work is being seen and valued on the global stage.”

The Commission disclosed that four other Nigerian projects—the Women Techsters and the Advanced Digital Empowerment Programme for Tertiary Institutions (ADEPTI) under Capacity Building, the Telecom-Based Research Grant Initiative under Enabling Environment, and the Digital Learning Initiative under e-Learning— also received recognition for their nominations for the Champions Category of Projects at the WSIS Prizes Ceremony.

Though the four other projects were not among the top-voted entries, the WSIS acknowledged them all for their significant merit and impact, the NCC said.

The WSIS Prizes competition recognises and promotes projects that effectively leverage ICTs to advance sustainable development across the globe.

The competition also showcases how technology can serve as a powerful tool to address global challenges and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

It is equally noted that several projects from around the world are recognised annually, highlighting diverse approaches to building an inclusive information society.

About WSIS

The World Summit on the Information Society is a United Nations (UN) initiative aimed at building a people-centred, inclusive, and development-oriented information society.

WSIS provides a multi-stakeholder platform to address issues related to Information and Communication Technologies, and their role in achieving sustainable development.

The Forum is an annual event that brings together high-level representatives from governments, the private sector, civil society, academia, the technical community, and international organisations.

It also serves as a global platform for implementing the WSIS Action Lines, which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Isola Moses | ����

Bill Gates, American multibillionaire businessman, Founder of Bill Gates Foundation and Co-founder of Microsoft Corporation, has been conferred with Nigeria’s National Honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

��ñ���� reports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Tuesday, June 3, 2025, conferred the West African country’s National Honour on Gates during the latter’s visit to the President’s private residence, in Ikoyi, Lagos State.

L-R: Gates, President Tinubu and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited

The brief event held when President Tinubu received Gates in audience in company with Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), Africa’s richest man and Nigerian billionaire business mogul.

The President thereafter decorated Gates with the national award as well as presenting him with the Award Certificate, in Lagos.

On Bill Gates’ humanitarian activities in Nigeria

Operating from its Regional Office, in Abuja, FCT, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, in the overview of its operations in the country as noted in its Web site, says the office wants “all of Nigeria’s children, mothers, and families to be able to lead healthy and productive lives, and we want the country’s most marginalised people to have opportunities to lift themselves out of poverty.”

It also stated: “To work toward these goals, we partner with the government, the private sector, and civil society organisations.

“We aim to reduce preventable deaths in Nigeria by focusing on maternal and child health. We invest in programs that provide prenatal through postnatal care, as well as childhood immunisation programs.

“We also support efforts to address common health challenges such as pneumonia, diarrheal diseases, and malnutrition, and we work to improve access to clean water and proper sanitation and hygiene.”

Others are that the Foundation seeks “ways to bolster primary health care delivery and integrate services to ensure a strong overall health system.

“To help smallholder farmers boost their productivity, we invest in efforts to introduce higher-yield strains of important crops such as yams, cassava, sorghum, cowpeas, and rice; increase the productivity of livestock; and improve the tools and systems that are available to farmers.

“We also support research and policies that help improve the lives of smallholder farmers over the long term.

“We support the government’s goal of ensuring that women, smallholder farmers, and other marginalised populations have access to digital financial services, which can help them save, spend, and plan for the future more effectively.

According to the Foundation, there are several grant commitments related to Nigeria made by the Gates Foundation, and previous foundations of the Gates family (William H. Gates Foundation, Gates Library Foundation, and Gates Learning Foundation) from 1994 onward.

Isola Moses | ����

Describing the event as another historic milestone for Pan-African investor Aliko Dangote and Dangote Industries Limited, over the weekend, as they garnered three prestigious accolades at the 15th Annual Brand Africa 100 Awards, held at the iconic Africa Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Addis Ababa is the birthplace of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU).

At the event held Friday, May 23, 2025, in Ethiopia, Dangote Industries Limited disclosed the organisers named Dangote Group “Most Admired African Brand”, following an independent, consumer-led survey conducted across over 30 African countries.

Dangote stated that the company was also inducted into the Brand Africa Hall of Fame, becoming the first African firm to receive this distinction.

The induction recognises Dangote’s transformative impact on African consumers and its influential role in shaping a positive narrative for the continent.

Aliko Dangote, President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership in driving impactful industrialisation, establishing a world-class African brand, and reshaping the continent’s economic future through a benchmark, homegrown enterprise.

How Dangote beats other sustainable, globally respected brands

Joining Dangote Industries in the inaugural Hall of Fame were MTN, M-Pesa, Ethiopian Airlines, and South Africa, for consistently ranking among Africa’s most admired brands over the past 5 to 15 years and for building sustainable, globally respected brands.

Reacting to the awards, Mr. Anthony Chiejina, Group Chief Branding & Communications Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, said the honours reflected the unwavering commitment, excellence, and innovation that define the group’s journey.

Chiejina stated that they are a testament to the dedication of the company’s outstanding team, partners, and stakeholders, who continue to believe in the mission to drive sustainable development and economic growth across the continent.

He also noted: “We also extend our heartfelt appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to our Founder and President, Aliko Dangote for building a purposeful world-class industrial brand that has exceptionally transformed African lives and the African narrative.

“This accolade celebrates not only his visionary leadership but also his tireless efforts in transforming industries, creating opportunities, and championing African enterprise on the global stage.

“His legacy is an inspiration to generations of entrepreneurs and leaders across Africa.”

Noting that the recognition would further inspire the company to push boundaries, empower communities, and deliver meaningful value across Africa and beyond, Chiejina reaffirmed Dangote Industries’ commitment to excellence, integrity, and transformative growth.

In his keynote address, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, Mr Claver Gatete, praised Aliko Dangote, the Hall of Fame inductees, and the Brand Africa laureates for advancing the African agenda.

He highlighted the alignment between Brand Africa and the ECA’s mission to promote inclusive industrialisation, regional integration, and private sector-led growth. Gatete also advocated increased investment in youth-led innovation, regional value chains, and the establishment of a Pan-African Creative Innovation Fund to identify, finance, and globalise Africa’s most promising brands.

He stated: “I wish to particularly acknowledge MTN, Dangote Group, mPesa and Ethiopian Airlines for consistently maintaining their distinguished positions among the “Most Admired African Brands” category and continuing to set benchmarks in brand leadership, innovation and continental impact.”

According to the organisers, the 2025 rankings reveal a stark contrast between rising African optimism and declining brand loyalty.

While 68% of Africans expressed belief in the continent—up from 64% in 2024—only 11% of the Top 100 Most Admired Brands are African, marking a historic low and down from 14% in 2024.

The report indicates the urgent need for homegrown brands to translate belief into consumer loyalty, and for Africans to more actively support Made-in-Africa products and enterprises.

Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa, said: “It is disappointing to see the sharp drop in African brands, which mirrors the ranking of non-African nations as the most influential in Africa.

“It’s a wake-up call for Africa—and a barometer of the continent’s lagging industrialisation agenda. It’s not enough for Africans to say they believe in the continent—they must buy made-in-Africa.

“For that to happen, African brands must invest in R&D, continue to innovate, deliver quality, and use authenticity as a differentiator.”

Isola Moses | ����

Access Bank Plc, once more, has bagged the honours as Nigeria’s Most Valuable Brand.

��ñ���� reports this latest accolade marks the fourth consecutive year Access Bank has topped the “Nigeria 25” rankings by Brand Finance, the global leader in brand valuation.

The bank stated the 2025 Edition of the report reaffirmed Access Bank’s dominance in the brand space.

It stated the banking group reflects its continued strength in innovation, customer engagement, and regional expansion in the financial ecosystem.

Access Bank’s consistent performance in brand equity that has resulted in its deliberate focus on digital transformation, inclusive banking, and strategic positioning within Nigeria’s evolving financial landscape, it said.

According to Brand Finance, banking brands now account for 59 percent of the total brand value among Nigeria’s Top 25, up from previous years.

It is equally stated that the sector’s growing influence is evident in the latest rankings, where financial institutions have overtaken other industries to dominate the top tier. This development is said to be a trend that highlights the sector’s resilience, adaptability, and central role in Nigeria’s economic progress.

The Nigeria 25 2025 ranking as well highlights considerable shifts in the country’s strongest brands, with banking brands rising through the ranks to dominate the top 10.

This demonstrates a growing recognition of the sector’s resilience and adaptability, particularly as financial services play an increasingly crucial role in advancing the Nigerian economy.

Commenting on the ranking project, Babatunde Odumeru, Managing Director of Brand Finance Nigeria, in a statement, said: “Nigerian banking brands continue to grow, successfully, navigating a challenging economic landscape with strategic agility while also maintaining customer loyalty.”

Honour underlines Access Bank’s customers’ trust, strategic clarity, says CEO

Speaking on the bank’s recognition also, Roosevelt Ogbonna, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Access Bank Plc, said: “This recognition as Nigeria’s most valuable brand for the fourth year running is a testament to the strength of our people, our customers’ trust, and the strategic clarity that drives everything we do.

“At Access Bank, we remain committed to delivering value through innovation, financial inclusion, and impactful partnerships across Africa and beyond.”

In her remarks on the milestone, Bolaji Agbede, Acting Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, also stated: “Access Bank’s brand leadership reflects the Group’s long-term vision of becoming the world’s most respected African financial institution.

“As we continue to evolve and expand our footprint, we are focused on delivering sustainable growth, deepening stakeholder trust, and enhancing the customer experience across all our markets.”

Alexander Davis | ����

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and President/Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), has been named in the inaugural 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy list, which recognises the 100 most influential leaders shaping the future of philanthropy across the world.

Dangote is the only Nigerian on this distinguished list.

Dangote Group, in a statement, noted the prestigious list, published by TIME Magazine Tuesday, May 20, 2025, featured its Chairman, whose Foundation spends an average of $35 million a year on programmes across Africa, alongside other global figures in charitable work, such as Michael Bloomberg, Oprah Winfrey, Warren Buffett, and Melinda Gates, all of whom are recognised as Titans.

The statement indicted that other prominent names on the list include David Beckham; Dolly Parton; Lisa Yang; Michael Dell and Susan Dell; Tsitsi and Strive Masiyiwa; Jack Ma; Alex Soros, Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, among others.

A total of 100 influential individuals from 28 countries have been honoured for their philanthropic efforts in four categories: Titans, Leaders, Trailblazers, and Innovators, with Dangote emerging as one of the 23 Titans.

TIME highlighted Dangote’s remarkable rise to wealth, having built a fortune of $23.9 billion through ventures in cement, agriculture, and oil refining in Nigeria. However, his philanthropic efforts are equally noteworthy.

In 2014, he endowed the Aliko Dangote Foundation with $1.25 billion, with the aim of giving back to the continent that played such a key role in his success.

The Foundation spends on average of $35 million each year on various initiatives across Nigeria and Africa.

“Investing in nutrition, health, education, and economic empowerment is our contribution to setting Africans up for success” – Dangote remarked, reflecting the Foundation’s core priorities.

Among the foundation’s ongoing efforts is a $100 million multi-year initiative to combat severe childhood malnutrition.

Furthermore, an earlier vaccine programme in Nigeria, developed in partnership with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others, contributed to the World Health Organisation’s 2020 declaration that polio had been eradicated from Africa, Nigeria being the most populous country in Africa and the last country to eradicate the disease.

Education is another area where Dangote is making a significant impact.

He recently announced a $10 million donation to the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, based in Kano State.

The conglomerate has provided a wealth of infrastructural support to the country’s tertiary institutions.

In 2019, the Federal Government revealed that the N1.2 billion hostel donated by the Aliko Dangote Foundation to Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, in Kaduna State, was the largest donation ever made by an individual to a university in Nigeria’s history at that time.

As a member of The Global Business Coalition for Education, the Aliko Dangote Foundation has also focused on early childhood education.

Through the Mu Shuka Iri (Let’s Plant a Seed) programme, local women – affectionately known as “Aunties” – are trained in Montessori-style education to become community educators in Kano.

The foundation’s investments in education include providing vocational training and providing scholarships at the secondary and tertiary levels, in addition to offering annual fellowships through the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders programme.

“We need to create the next generation of African leaders,” Dangote says, underscoring his commitment to long-term societal change.

“My mother instilled in me the ethos of giving back, which inspired my philanthropy 30 years ago.”

He further stated: “I trust my three daughters will continue this legacy, just as they will continue to grow our business and impact.

“I want to be known not just as Africa’s richest person but also as its biggest philanthropist.”

Alexander Davis | ����

TD Africa, Africa’s leading technology distribution powerhouse, reaffirmed its dominance in the technology industry across the continent.

The tech didtribution company noted this as it recently won two prestigious awards at Huawei Day Nigeria 2025, a three-day landmark celebration with the theme “Accelerating Industrial Intelligence”.

The event, which held in the Grand Ballroom of the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, in Lagos, attracted Nigeria’s foremost technology innovators, policymakers, and industry captains to mark a new era of Artificial Intelligence-driven transformation and celebrate Huawei’s 25-year journey in Nigeria.

Representing TD Africa, Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of the company, delivered a rousing address of partnership and progress.

She stated: “I am excited to be here, not just as a partner, but as a firm believer in the power of collaboration in shaping the future of technology across Africa.

“We cannot do this alone, and that’s why Huawei remains one of the most strategic brands we work with.”

Also in his welcome address, Mr. Chris Lu, CEO of Huawei Nigeria, acknowledged TD Africa’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s digital evolution.

Lu said: “As our society enters the era of industrial intelligence, technologies like connectivity, cloud, and AI have become vital. TD Africa has remained a trusted partner in building Nigeria’s digital backbone.”

Besides being its distribution partner, TD Africa is also Huawei’s cloud Managed Service Provider (MSP) and sole Authorised Service Centre (ASC) in Nigeria.

This is said to be a clear testament to the company’s technical depth and unmatched service capacity in the region.

TD Africa’s exceptional track record in distribution, support, training, and innovative tech service delivery was honoured with two top recognitions:lm

These are: “Run Rate Partner of the Year”, and “Distributor of the Year”, the night’s highest accolade, the company said.

These awards, it noted, underscore TD Africa’s unwavering commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that transform businesses and empower individuals across the continent.

As the digital future accelerates, TD Africa stands ready at the forefront of innovation, partnership, and prosperity in Africa’s tech landscape.