TeKnowledge Launches AI-First Expert Technology Services in Nigeria
TeKnowledge, a global tech firm specializing in AI, customer experience, and cybersecurity, has launched its AI-First Expert Technology Services in Nigeria. The announcement took place at the 2025 TeKnowledge Nigeria CxO Summit in Lagos, which also marked the unveiling of a refreshed brand identity to reflect the company’s global growth and innovation drive in Africa.
The summit gathered leaders from public and private sectors to celebrate TeKnowledge’s seven-year presence in Nigeria and discuss the future of tech-driven transformation.
Olugbolahan Olusanya, Growth and Sales Director for Africa, emphasized the company’s focus on inclusivity and youth development, noting recognition as one of Africa’s top tech platforms and workplaces.
President and CEO Aileen Allkins delivered the keynote, highlighting TeKnowledge’s journey since its 2010 inception and its African expansion since launching in Nigeria in 2018 with 200 employees—now grown to 2,000. She also announced plans to expand beyond Lagos, with new hubs across Africa, building on existing operations in Rwanda
TeKnowledge’s AI-First Mission
At the heart of TeKnowledge’s operations is an AI-first framework, which integrates:
- Customer experience (CX)
- Cybersecurity
- Productivity tools
These are bundled into tailored solutions for emerging markets, like Nigeria. The goal is to embed AI into every layer of innovation, helping organizations become faster, smarter, and more agile in an increasingly digital world.
TeKnowledge emphasizes that for true digital transformation to occur, countries like Nigeria must:
- Understand what AI really means
- Adopt an AI-first mindset
- Train people in AI and digital skills
The AI-First Mindset: Nidal Abou-Ltaif’s Insights
Nidal Abou-Ltaif, the Chief Revenue and Transformation Officer, presented a session titled “Intent in Practice: An AI-First Mindset.”
Key messages from his session:
- Reimagining processes: Challenging traditional ways of doing things
- Treating data as a strategic asset
- Using automation to amplify—not replace—human capability
- Creating structured plans and developing skills to embed AI meaningfully into decision-making and operations
He also applauded Nigeria’s transition from:
- Traditional sectors like trade and Nollywood
- To fintech, digital innovation, and now AI
Nidal acknowledged the Nigerian government’s efforts, specifically:
- The National AI Strategy
- The 3MTT Programme, aiming to train 3 million Nigerians in digital skills by 2027
Cybersecurity Focus: Panel Discussion Highlights
A critical topic at the summit was cybersecurity, discussed in the panel “Navigating the Evolving Threat Landscape.”
Moderated by Gabriel Portnoy, with panelists including:
- Mahmood Lockhat, CTO
- Emmanuel Okoraji, Head of Cyber Intelligence at First Bank
- Olutimileyin Oyesanya, President of ISC2 Nigeria Chapter
Main discussion points:
- How AI is revolutionizing cyber defence
- Real-time threat detection and automated responses
- Building resilience and trust within organizations
- The importance of adapting to an increasingly sophisticated cyber threat environment
Partnerships & Local Impact
TeKnowledge’s work in Nigeria is not in isolation—it thrives on strong partnerships, such as with First Bank:
- In 3 years, they’ve upskilled over 450 employees
- TeKnowledge now serves over 40 Nigerian organisations across:
- Digital transformation
- Skilling and workforce development
- Cybersecurity services
The company also operates a Security Operations Centre in Nigeria, which:
- Provides award-winning cybersecurity services
- Offers real-time monitoring and threat response
- Delivers scalable solutions for African enterprises
Call to Action: Collaboration for Sustainable AI
The summit concluded with a call for:
- Cross-sector collaboration between public and private sectors
- Solutions to structural challenges like:
- Poor infrastructure
- Shortage of skilled talent
- Fragmented policies
TeKnowledge committed to:
- Building locally relevant, ethical, and scalable AI-first solutions
- Continuing to train and empower Nigerians
- Supporting national development goals through innovation
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