Digital Encode Limited, a Nigerian cybersecurity and information‑security advisory firm, will act as the lead sponsor for the sixth Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH 6.0) and the accompanying ATAEx Awards, scheduled for 13 November 2026 at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki, Lagos. The event aims to unite technology executives, policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs to explore how technology can drive Africa’s economic transformation.
**Key facts**
- The forum and awards will take place on 13 November 2026 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.
- Digital Encode Limited is the lead sponsor, highlighting cybersecurity as a core pillar of the agenda.
- New speakers include Muhammed Rudman, CEO of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN); Uche Uzoebo, MD/CEO of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities Limited (SANEF); and Happiness Obioha, CEO of Tizel Cybersecurity and Regional Sales Director at Tecom Concepts Limited.
- The theme of the gathering is “The Next $1 Trillion Opportunity: Building Africa Through Technology.”
- Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co‑Convener of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum, said, “For five years, AfriTECH has been a room where the real conversations happen, and this sixth edition raises the ambition to answer the trillion‑dollar question with precision and actionable direction.”
What is AfriTECH 6.0?
AfriTECH 6.0 is the sixth edition of the Africa Tech Alliance Forum, a continental technology conference that brings together senior leaders from banking, fintech, telecommunications, and the broader tech ecosystem. The forum focuses on infrastructure, investment, policy and partnership needs required to unlock Africa’s digital economy. The event is organised by the Africa Tech Alliance, whose official portal can be accessed at [Africa Tech Alliance Forum](https://africatechallianceforum.africa/).
Who are the newly announced speakers?
Muhammed Rudman, the pioneer CEO of the Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), will share insights on internet infrastructure and interconnection. Rudman also chairs the Nigeria IPv6 Council and serves as Executive President of the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA). Uche Uzoebo, Managing Director/CEO of SANEF, will discuss digital payments, agency banking and financial inclusion, drawing on over two decades of banking experience. Happiness Obioha, CEO of Tizel Cybersecurity and Regional Sales Director at Tecom Concepts Limited, will provide a commercial perspective on cybersecurity and enterprise technology adoption.
Why is cybersecurity a focal point?
Digital Encode Limited, founded in 2003 by Professor Adewale Peter Obadare, specialises in cybersecurity, information‑security and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) advisory services. Its sponsorship places digital trust at the centre of the forum’s agenda. The firm assists organisations across financial services, telecommunications, fintech and the public sector with services such as vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, digital forensics, data‑protection and compliance advisory. As African businesses expand their use of cloud, AI and fintech solutions, robust cyber‑risk management becomes essential for sustainable digital transformation.
What are the ATAEx Awards?
The Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Awards (ATAEx Awards) 2026 will be held alongside AfriTECH 6.0 on the same day. The awards recognise organisations and individuals that have made significant contributions to Africa’s technology ecosystem and digital transformation. By pairing the awards with the forum, the organisers aim to celebrate achievements while fostering networking and idea exchange among industry stakeholders.
How can interested parties participate?
The event is open to sponsors, partners, delegates and media representatives. Participation is free, but registration is required through the official portal at https://africatechallianceforum.africa/. Organisations seeking sponsorship, partnership or exhibition opportunities are encouraged to contact the forum’s organising team for further details.
What is the broader significance?
AfriTECH 6.0 arrives at a time when Africa’s digital landscape offers vast opportunities but also faces challenges such as infrastructure gaps, fragmented regulations and limited access to capital. By convening leaders from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) – represented by Dr. Aminu Maida – and other key bodies, the forum seeks to shape policies and investments that can translate the continent’s digital potential into measurable economic value.
Overall, the combination of high‑level dialogue, strategic sponsorship by Digital Encode and the recognition platform of the ATAEx Awards positions the November gathering as a pivotal moment for charting Africa’s path toward a trillion‑dollar digital economy.