BIO-key Opens New African Subsidiary

BIO-key has opened a new African subsidiary in Nigeria. BIO-key Africa will operate under the leadership of Managing Director Maduawuchi “Steve” Uwazie, and will handle local sales and government relations while building new biometric products specifically for the African market. 

“Though we have conducted business in Africa for years, BIO-key Africa serves as a local platform for pursuing opportunities across this vast continent,” said BIO-key CEO Michael DePasquale. “Steve brings decades of relevant experience and has already been extremely valuable in building our footprint of relationships and opportunities in Africa.”

The news comes shortly after BIO-key signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Technology Transfer Institute (TTI) of Africa, adding the organization to BIO-key’s new Channel Alliance Partner program. The World Bank approved $433 million in funding for a Nigerian biometric ID registry after the arrangement was announced.

Uwazie was a key figure during that process, and has worked with BIO-key on other occasions in the past. He arrives with more than three decades of experience in the tech industry, launching his career at IBM before founding Net Solutions Limited in 2001.

“It is extremely exciting to lead [BIO-Key’s] efforts in Africa,” said Uwazie. “I am grateful that BIO-key is expanding their commitment to the African market and will hire and train local talent to specialize in this critical technology.”

As the Managing Director of BIO-key Africa, Uwazie will look to drive sales in both the public and private sector. He also indicated that BIO-key Africa will allow the company to provide better support for local customers.

BIO-key, meanwhile, highlighted the substantial growth potential in the African market. The continent’s 1.2 billion people have created a strong demand for biometric identity solutions, particularly in the areas of national ID, border security, mobile payments, and financial services.

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November 19, 2019 – by Eric Weiss