It was a pleasant Tuesday morning on October 9, 2001, at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos when history was made in Nigeria. Zinox, a wholly indigenous tech brand, was launched with numerous firsts and innovative features. The brainchild of Forbes’ Best of Africa’s Tech Icon, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Zinox had the blessings of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo, an African statesman known for his courage and visionary leadership.
The event was a grand affair attended by dignitaries from the public and private sectors, diplomats, and representatives of multinational computer brands. Vice President Atiku Abubakar served as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Senate President, Rt. Hon. Anyim Pius Anyim, chaired the occasion. Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu played host, as Lagos came to a standstill with the presence of governors, ministers, senators, corporate titans, and labour leaders, including then-NLC President Adams Oshiomhole.
Beyond the glamour of the launch, Zinox quickly proved the confidence Obasanjo had in Ekeh and the brand was well-placed. Not only did Zinox become a formidable African tech company, but it also achieved numerous milestones, showcasing Ekeh’s entrepreneurial brilliance and Obasanjo’s foresight. In Zinox, Obasanjo saw the future of Nigerian technology. Shortly after the launch, Obasanjo invited Zinox’s management to Aso Rock, endorsing the brand as a national pride. In 2002, Obasanjo dubbed Ekeh the ‘Icon of Hope’ on October 1st, making him a role model for future Nigerian digital entrepreneurs—an embodiment of the Nigerian spirit of innovation, excellence, humility, and integrity.
While Obasanjo achieved many ICT advancements during his presidency—including the introduction of GSM telephony and the creation of indigenous computer assembly plants—Zinox held a special place in his heart. Obasanjo proudly promoted the Zinox brand on his travels, not just as a user but as a symbol of national pride, showing world leaders that Nigerians, too, could create cutting-edge technology.
In his writings, Obasanjo celebrated Ekeh as a model for Nigerian youth and capped his admiration by awarding him the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR), one of Nigeria’s highest national honors. During a gathering of Nigeria’s business elite at the State House, Obasanjo singled out Ekeh, praying for him and publicly acknowledging his impact on Nigerian youth as someone who exemplifies the Nigerian dream through hard work.
Due to the reliability of the Zinox brand and Obasanjo’s patriotism, he directed all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to standardize on Zinox and other indigenous brands, accelerating the growth of Zinox and making it the preferred choice among public and private sectors alike.
Twenty-three years on, Zinox is more than just an African brand; it’s a celebration of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurial brilliance. Ekeh’s vision turned global attention towards Nigeria, proving that local tech talent could compete on the global stage.
Zinox was the first internationally certified indigenous computer brand in West Africa and the first globally to incorporate the Naira sign (₦) on its keyboard. It became the first Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) in sub-Saharan Africa to receive Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality Lab Certification (WHQL) and the first to partner with Intel and Google in the region. Zinox was also the first OEM in Nigeria to introduce renewable energy and lifestyle products.
Zinox’s launch was a defining moment for Nigeria, signaling its entry into the global tech arena. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar underscored the significance of Zinox at its launch, noting that it made a global marketing statement that would resonate across Africa and beyond. Describing Zinox as a perfect example of backward integration, Atiku praised Ekeh and his team for their ingenuity and the brand’s potential to boost Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Oshiomhole, who launched the “Computerize Nigeria Project” at the event, hailed Ekeh as a ‘digital militant’ for his dedication to democratizing access to technology.
Atiku’s prediction 23 years ago was spot on. Today, Zinox’s influence extends across Africa and beyond. The brand’s public presentation was more than a product launch; it was a statement of Nigerian sovereignty in the digital age. Ekeh has long emphasized the need for a distinct Nigerian IT identity, a vision that Zinox has embodied.
Ekeh, a serial disruptor and challenger of the status quo, birthed Zinox from a place of personal determination and patriotism. It shattered stereotypes and answered the question: Can anything good come out of Nigeria? Through Zinox, Ekeh proved that Nigeria could produce technology that competes on the global stage. He even addressed local challenges by incorporating stabilizers and surge protectors in Zinox systems to handle Nigeria’s inconsistent power supply.
Ekeh’s joy comes not from monetary gain but from inspiring future generations of Nigerians. He takes pride in knowing that when Nigerian children hear about Zinox, they believe in their own potential, having seen that there is nothing beyond their reach in technology.
Over the years, Zinox has proven its competence and capacity, powering several major projects, including the 8th All-Africa Games (COJA 2003), the 18th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2003), the All-Africa University Games (2004), and the 7th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU 2006). Zinox also played a critical role in digitizing Nigeria’s electoral system, supporting the general elections in 2007 and 2011, and providing technology for the national census.
Ekeh’s influence extends beyond Zinox. His wife, Lady Chioma Ekeh, a mathematician and chartered accountant, runs TD Africa, the largest tech distribution company in sub-Saharan Africa. Their children are all deeply involved in tech: Prince Nnamdi Ekeh, with an MBA from Oxford, leads Konga, Nigeria’s e-commerce giant; Mrs. Gozy Ajogun, an LSE alumna, oversees Task Systems; and their other children are also making their mark in the digital world.
Leo Stan Ekeh has added tremendous value to Africa’s digital space, and Zinox stands as his greatest gift—a symbol of Nigeria’s potential and a beacon of hope for future generations.
Adigun, an Associate Professor of Mechatronics, writes from Lagos.
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