Enugu is positioning itself as Nigeria’s next major technology centre as it prepares to host the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival, a four-day gathering that organisers say will underline the state’s rapid digital transformation.
Addressing journalists on Thursday at the Enugu Press Centre, Dr Prince Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, said the festival, scheduled for 24 to 27 February at the Enugu International Conference Centre, would mark “a decisive step in building a resilient digital economy”.
“I warmly welcome you once again and thank you for joining us for this second press briefing on the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival,” Dr Prince Ezeh said. “Your consistent engagement demonstrates the importance of this festival not only to Enugu State but to Nigeria’s broader technology ecosystem.”
More than 50,000 participants are expected, including startup founders, developers, venture capitalists, academics, policymakers and students. Delegations from across Nigeria, other African countries and international innovation ecosystems have confirmed attendance, according to Dr Prince Ezeh.
He said preparations were “advancing smoothly and according to schedule”, with committees overseeing logistics, programming, partnerships, security and media. Technical installations are nearing completion, exhibition stands are being finalised and broadband capacity around the venue has been strengthened. Cybersecurity systems have been enhanced and digital registration platforms upgraded to ensure what he described as a world-class hybrid experience.
The festival is closely aligned with the economic vision of Peter Mbah, who has pledged to transform Enugu into a knowledge-based and digitally enabled economy. Dr Prince Ezeh described the governor’s agenda as focused on digitising public services, reforming education, supporting technology incubation and modernising infrastructure.
“The future of our state lies in innovation, enterprise and youth empowerment,” Dr Prince Ezeh said, adding that the reforms driving Enugu’s emergence as a technology hub were “deliberate and strategic”.
The theme of this year’s event, “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form”, references Enugu’s history as Nigeria’s “Coal City”. Once a centre of coal mining, the state now aims to reinvent itself as a source of digital energy.
“Coal once powered industries; now innovation will power prosperity,” Dr Prince Ezeh said. “This metaphor captures the spirit of reinvention that defines modern Enugu.”
Organisers point to the 2025 edition as a turning point. Since then, ten new technology hubs have emerged across the state, including a dedicated blockchain hub and the Risevest Hub. Enugu has also received commendation for digital infrastructure and invitations to participate in international innovation platforms, while discussions are ongoing with foreign missions and multilateral agencies interested in supporting its digital transformation agenda.
A key feature of the 2026 programme will be three days of free digital skills training for more than 67,000 people. Trainers from the United Kingdom, including partners from 1Goal Analytics, will deliver sessions in data analytics, software development, artificial intelligence and digital project management, with participants receiving foreign certification on completion.
The speaker line-up blends political, diplomatic and private-sector influence. Among those expected to address the festival are Nigeria’s communications minister Bosun Tijani; Sweden’s ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm; technology entrepreneur Leo Stan Ekeh of Zinox Group; and Aminu Maida, executive vice-chair of the Nigerian Communications Commission.
A Startup Showcase and Investment Forum will allow emerging entrepreneurs to pitch innovations directly to investors and strategic partners, with selected startups gaining access to post-festival incubation and advisory support.
“We are not simply hosting conversations; we are building pipelines for funding, mentorship and long-term business growth,” Dr Prince Ezeh said.
With Lagos widely regarded as Nigeria’s tech capital, Enugu’s leadership believes the state is now staking a credible claim as a formidable challenger in the country’s fast-growing innovation landscape.
Discussion about this post