Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh, born on February 22, 1956, in Ubomiri Mbaitoli, Imo State, has become a transformative figure in Nigeria’s IT industry. As the chairman of Zinox Technologies Limited, Ekeh’s vision and leadership have driven the development of several leading technology companies, including Task Systems, Technology Distributions Limited, and ICT Connect. His career path from a middle-class upbringing to becoming a pivotal force in African technology bears to his innovation and perseverance.
Ekeh’s early aspirations of owning the largest transport company in Nigeria shifted towards technology during his time studying economics at Punjab University in India. He found India’s economy to be a “realistic economy,” which profoundly influenced his perspective. He furthered his education in risk management at Cork City University in Ireland and Nottingham University in the UK. These experiences equipped him with the knowledge and skills to embark on a pioneering path in Nigeria’s IT sector.
In 1989, Ekeh founded Task Systems Limited, one of the first companies to introduce desktop publishing and computer graphics to Nigeria. Through Task Systems, he computerized 95% of the print media, publishing houses, and advertising agencies in Nigeria, earning numerous industry awards. His next venture, Technology Distributions Limited (TD), established in 1999, became the leading IT distribution company in West Africa. TD’s remarkable market penetration and revenue growth have made it the most decorated ICT distributor in the region.
Ekeh’s most significant achievement came in 2001 with the founding of Zinox Technologies Limited, which manufactured Nigeria’s first internationally certified branded computers. Zinox Computers incorporated innovative features like the Naira sign and a power supply designed to handle Nigeria’s erratic electricity. The company’s WHQL certification at launch and subsequent NIS ISO 2000:9001 QMS Certification underscored its commitment to quality. In 2013, Zinox further expanded its product line with the introduction of Zipad tablets, reinforcing Ekeh’s legacy as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s IT industry. Through his leadership, Ekeh has not only advanced technology in Nigeria but also inspired a new generation of African entrepreneurs.
