Leo Stan Ekeh

Leonard Stanley Nnamdi Ekeh (born February 22, 1956) is a renowned Nigerian businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, widely regarded as a pioneer in the West African information and communication technology (ICT) sector. He is best known as the founder and Chairman of Zinox Technologies Limited, Nigeria's first internationally certified indigenous original equipment manufacturer (OEM) of computers. Early Life and Education Leo Stan Ekeh was born in Ubomiri Mbaitoli, Imo State, Nigeria, into a middle-class family. He completed his secondary education in Nigeria before pursuing higher studies abroad. Ekeh is an alumnus of the highly prestigious Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, where he obtained a degree in Economics. He furthered his education in the United Kingdom, studying Computer Science at the London School of Economics (LSE) and earning a postgraduate degree in Risk Management from the Nottingham University Business School. Career Progression Ekeh began his professional career by establishing Task Systems Limited in 1987, pioneering the integration of essential ICT solutions in the Nigerian market. He followed this success by founding ITEC Solutions Limited, which became instrumental in pioneering IT solutions in West Africa, delivering some of the largest indigenous IT solutions to the Nigerian corporate market. His most significant venture was the establishment of Zinox Technologies Limited in 2001. Under his leadership, Zinox became a dominant force in the African tech landscape, achieving the remarkable feat of being the first OEM in West Africa to receive the global ISO 9001:2000 certification for computer manufacturing. Ekeh's vision expanded his influence further in the ICT ecosystem through acquisitions and subsidiaries, including partnering to establish the Nigerian Internet Exchange and securing the exclusive rights for the digital mapping of Nigeria. His current status includes serving as the Chairman of the Zinox Group and its various subsidiaries, including Konga, one of Africa's largest e-commerce platforms. Major Achievements and Notable Works Leo Stan Ekeh is credited with several groundbreaking achievements that revolutionized the Nigerian and West African ICT industries. He introduced desktop publishing and computer graphics into Nigeria and pioneered the use of the internet for corporate business in West Africa. A key milestone in his career was providing the technology infrastructure for Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), facilitating electronic registration and voting processes. He is recognized for fostering indigenous capacity in technology and creating thousands of jobs. His philanthropic efforts, often focused on youth empowerment and technology incubation, are managed through the Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation. Current Status As of the present, Leo Stan Ekeh remains the influential Chairman of the Zinox Group. He continues to advocate for the advancement of local content and digital inclusion across Africa, playing an advisory role in technology development and entrepreneurship. He is active on social media, including X (@LeoStanEkeh). He is recognized as a strategic leader guiding the digital future of Nigeria and the continent.