In a strategic move that signals the future of African business technology, UAC of Nigeria Plc has unveiled the 1879 Tech Hub, an innovative initiative designed to propel digital transformation across the continent’s corporate landscape.
Launched on November 19th, 2024, the tech hub represents more than just a new corporate division, it is a bold statement of technological ambition from one of Nigeria’s most historic business entities. Named after the company’s founding year, the 1879 Tech Hub symbolizes a bridge between UAC’s rich legacy and its forward-looking technological vision.
Fola Aiyesimoju, the Group Managing Director, frames the initiative as a reflection of UAC’s core values: “This is about people and technology converging to create unprecedented value.” His words underscore a profound shift from viewing technology as a support function to seeing it as a fundamental driver of business strategy.
At the helm of this transformative unit is David Dogeni, Chief Technology Officer, who brings a passionate vision of technological integration. “The future is bright, and we’re building it today,” Dogeni proclaimed, encapsulating the hub’s ambitious mandate.
The 1879 Tech Hub isn’t a conventional technology department. It is a multidisciplinary team of subject matter experts committed to embedding technological DNA into business operations. The team includes key figures like Michael Ogunkalu and Taiwo Oluwadare, both Business Technology Leads, and Jerry Uke, Senior Programme Manager.
Their mission transcends traditional technological implementation. They aim to transform African businesses into “digital natives” organizations where technology is not an add-on but the fundamental framework of operational excellence.
By focusing on seamless technological integration across customer service, operational processes, and organizational culture, the 1879 Tech Hub represents a holistic approach to digital transformation. It’s not just about adopting new tools, but about fundamentally reimagining how businesses can leverage technology to drive growth and sustainability.
The initiative comes at a critical time when African businesses are increasingly recognizing technology’s role in maintaining competitive edge. UAC’s proactive stance positions them as potential pioneers in a continent-wide digital revolution.
The vision resonated across social media, where industry leaders and professionals expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. Titilola F., COO in the FinTech space, commended UAC’s forward-thinking approach, writing on LinkedIn, “Happy to see a FMCG conglomerate begin to really think ‘outside the box’ and realize the world of tech is not optional. Hopefully, this drives great synergy with the growing tech-startup ecosystem, creating real value for all parties.”
Other LinkedIn users also shared their excitement. Omolabake Matthew, a social entrepreneur and former UAC intern, celebrated the initiative, stating, “This feels sooooo good and exciting to see! Hoping to see more updates.” Similarly, Akinmoladun Falusi, a product designer, wrote, “I would love to know more about the 1879 Tech Hub… hope to see more updates.”
Anthony Eigbe, Vice President of Creative and Communications, emphasized that the hub’s ultimate goal is creating value for customers, investors, and the broader ecosystem of African businesses.
This commitment is evident in the hub’s strategic approach: blending creativity, innovation, and cutting-edge technology to solve complex business challenges.
As African markets become increasingly digital, UAC’s 1879 Tech Hub could serve as a blueprint for other organizations seeking meaningful technological transformation. By treating technology not as a cost center but as a strategic asset, they’re challenging traditional business paradigms.
The tech hub is more than an internal initiative, it is a statement of confidence in African technological potential, signaling that innovation isn’t just imported, but can be indigenously developed and scaled.
In the words of David Dogeni, UAC is not just adapting to the future, they are actively constructing it, one technological solution at a time.
