…Says over 50,000 participants will converge in Enugu
By Chinedu Adonu
Ahead of the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival the State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh has reaffirmed the state government commitment to position the state as a competitive innovative hub in Africa and the world.
Prince Eze made this known during a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Enugu Secretariat, Rangers Avenue, Independence Layout on Thursday evening.
He disclosed that the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival, scheduled to take place from 24 to 27 February 2026 at the Enugu International Conference Centre withh the theme, “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” serves as a powerful metaphor for Enugu’s economic evolution from its historical roots in mining to a future powered by digital entrepreneurship.
Dr. Ezeh emphasized that just as coal once fueled the nation’s industrial past, ideas, research, and software code will now power the state’s sustainable prosperity.
“This shift is part of a broader mandate to empower the youth and modernize government services through comprehensive digitization. The state government expects to host over 50,000 participants, ranging from venture capitalists and startup founders to academics and students from across Africa and the international community”. Prince Ezeh stated.
The momentum for this year’s event is bolstered by the remarkable success of the 2025 edition, which the Commissioner described as a “declaration of intent” that positioned Enugu as a formidable force in the national tech ecosystem.
“Since last year, the state has seen the emergence of ten new technology hubs, including specialized centers for Blockchain and the relocation of several tech communities from other regions. These hubs are actively functioning as incubators for talent and venture building, proving that the state’s growth is the result of deliberate policy rather than chance”. The Commissioner said.
The festival has also attracted international attention, leading to invitations from global innovation platforms and partnerships with various foreign missions.
A standout feature of the 2026 festival is the massive commitment to human capital development through a three-day intensive digital skills training program. Over 67,000 participants are expected to benefit from sessions led by experts from the United Kingdom, including partners from 1Goal Analytics.
According to Prince Ezeh, those who complete the training will receive international certifications in high-demand fields such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and software development.
“This initiative underscores the administration’s goal of ensuring that no segment of the population, including civil servants and students, is left behind in the digital transition”. The Commissioner said.
The speaker lineup for the event reads like a “who’s who” of the African tech and policy landscape, featuring prominent figures such as Governor Peter Mbah and the Minister of Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani. Other confirmed dignitaries include the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, and the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm.
Industry titans like Leo Stan Ekeh of Zinox Group and Aminu Maida of the NCC will join fintech leaders and cybersecurity experts to provide insights into the future of the continent’s digital economy. These sessions are expected to cover critical sectors including agritech, healthtech, and renewable energy.
Central to the festival’s economic impact is the Startup Showcase and Investment Forum, where emerging entrepreneurs will have the rare opportunity to pitch their innovations directly to global investors.
Dr. Ezeh highlighted that the government is focused on building tangible pipelines for funding and mentorship rather than just hosting academic conversations.
“Selected startups will be granted access to post-festival incubation support and advisory services to ensure their long-term viability. This focus on practical outcomes aims to create high-value jobs and attract significant foreign direct investment into the state’s burgeoning private sector’. Ezeh emphasised.
As the February 24 kickoff date approaches, the state government has assured the public of heightened security and world-class logistics to accommodate the massive influx of visitors. The festival serves as a practical expression of Governor Mbah’s vision to diversify the economy and modernize infrastructure. With reinforced broadband capacity and enhanced cybersecurity systems at the venue, Enugu is sending a clear message that it is ready to host the world.
