Lighting Up the North

Lighting Up the North: How StoneTech's COO is Championing Tech Innovation in Northern Nigeria

Last week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with the dynamic COO of StoneTech, a fast-rising tech company making waves across Northern Nigeria. The conversation offered rare insight into what it means to lead a mission driven company in a region that's just beginning to tap into its full tech potential.

When asked what being COO of StoneTech truly means, the answer was both personal and powerful.

"It's super exciting and humbling," the COO said. "Personally, it's a chance to give back to a place I deeply care about. Professionally, it's about pushing innovation in a region that's often overlooked. Northern Nigeria hasn't had much spotlight in the tech world, and I see this role as a way to lead with purpose and make a real impact."

A Tech Scene on the Rise

While the tech landscape in Nigeria is often associated with Lagos and Abuja, there's a quiet but determined transformation happening in the North. According to StoneTech's leadership, the region is in the early stages of what could become a major tech awakening.

"We're seeing more young people getting into coding, digital marketing, fintech, and agritech," the COO noted. "Cities like Kaduna, Kano, and Jos are becoming hotspots, with more hubs and boot camps coming up. But we still face gaps, especially in infrastructure and investment-compared to the South."

Overcoming Regional Challenges

The hurdles are significant. From erratic power supply and inconsistent internet access to the lack of investor interest and a persistent brain drain, the road to a thriving tech ecosystem isn't easy.

"Startups here often struggle to get noticed by investors who are focused on Lagos or Abuja. We also have a talent retention issue. Many skilled professionals leave for cities offering more opportunities. And we can't ignore the digital literacy gap, which slows down adoption and growth."

StoneTech's Ground-Up Approach

Despite these challenges, StoneTech isn't sitting idle. The company is actively laying down the groundwork for a tech revolution in the North.

From training programs for local developers and product managers to partnerships with schools for tech-focused curricula, StoneTech is investing in the future. The company is also building digital products tailored to local needs, particularly in agriculture and fintech. Two sectors ripe for disruption in the region.

Perhaps most notably, StoneTech is fostering cross-sector collaboration, working closely with both government bodies and private stakeholders to improve infrastructure and influence policy changes.

A Region with Untapped Potential

What truly makes Northern Nigeria's tech scene special? According to the COO, it's the people.

"There's this incredible hunger to learn, to build, and to solve real problems. Young people here are doing so much with so little. That raw innovation and resilience, that's what excites me most."

With a large and largely underserved market, the region holds enormous potential. And for StoneTech, that's both a challenge and an opportunity they're ready to meet head-on.

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the COO made it clear that StoneTech's ambitions go far beyond profit.

"We don't just want to be another tech company. We want to be a force for positive change, a platform that helps shape the next generation of tech leaders in Northern Nigeria. It's about building a sustainable ecosystem that can thrive on its own."

And for the young tech dreamers coming up in the region, the message was clear:

"Trust your ideas. Don't wait for perfect conditions, they might never come. Your local insight is your superpower. Innovation doesn't have to be flashy; it just needs to make a difference."

As StoneTech continues to grow, it's clear that their journey is just beginning. Northern Nigeria may still be on the fringes of the national tech narrative, but if companies like StoneTech have their way, that's about to change and fast.

Stay tuned. Northern Nigeria's tech future is bright, and it's only getting started.

37B, isa kaita road, kaduna.

A tech company focused on talent upskilling, product development, start-up incubation & acceleration.

This release was published on openPR.