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The 2026 Enugu Technology Festival officially commenced today, February 24, at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, drawing unprecedented attention to the city. The four-day event is expected to attract over 50,000 participants, including startup founders, software developers, venture capitalists, academics, and students from Nigeria and across the African continent. This massive gathering underscores Enugu’s growing status as a key player in the technology sector.
The festival provides a platform for a wide range of activities designed to foster collaboration and growth within the tech ecosystem. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in panel discussions, explore exhibitions, participate in networking sessions, and compete in pitch competitions. A significant component of the event is the provision of free digital skills training, aimed at equipping young people with essential competencies for the modern economy.
In a press briefing ahead of the event, the state Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, confirmed that all preparations were complete. He detailed that various committees overseeing logistics, programming, partnerships, security, and protocol have been working diligently to guarantee a seamless experience for both physical and virtual participants. The government’s commitment is to ensure the event runs smoothly and has a lasting impact.
Significant investments have been made in technological infrastructure to support the large-scale, hybrid nature of the festival. Dr Ezeh explained that broadband capacity around the venue has been strengthened, cybersecurity systems have been enhanced, and digital registration platforms have been fully integrated. These upgrades are designed to provide a world-class experience for all attendees, whether they are present in Enugu or joining online.
Enugu Technology Festival: A Key Development Agenda of the State Government
The commissioner highlighted that the festival is a key pillar of Governor Peter Mbah’s developmental agenda, which prioritises innovation, enterprise, and youth empowerment. This vision is being executed through the widespread digitisation of government services, comprehensive education reform, and the modernisation of infrastructure across the state. These initiatives form the backbone of a strategy to drive sustainable economic growth.
Drawing a parallel to the city’s historical identity, Dr Ezeh remarked that Enugu is transforming its legacy as the “Coal City” into a new form of “digital energy.” He articulated that this energy is generated through ideas, code, research, and entrepreneurship, which are seen as the primary fuels for future prosperity. The festival is a celebration and a catalyst for this ongoing transformation.
The positive impact of the inaugural edition of the festival was also noted, as it significantly boosted the local innovation ecosystem. That first event led to the establishment of ten new technology hubs in the state, including a specialised Blockchain Hub and the Risevest Hub. This growth demonstrates the tangible outcomes that such focused events can generate for a regional economy.
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Building on the Massive Success of the Previous Edition of the Enugu Technology Festival
Furthermore, the success of the first Enugu Technology Festival festival has had a magnetic effect, attracting technology communities from other regions to relocate to Enugu. This influx of talent and organisations has strengthened the collaborative network between startups, investors, and government institutions within the state. It validates the government’s deliberate policy direction and strategic vision for the sector.
Dr Ezeh attributed the state’s progress in the tech landscape to this combination of deliberate policy, strategic partnerships, and visionary leadership. He confidently stated that Enugu has successfully positioned itself as a major force within Nigeria’s broader technology and innovation landscape. The festival serves as both a showcase and a driver of this newly established reputation.
The 2026 Enugu Technology Festival is set to be a landmark event, featuring a rich program of discussions, exhibitions, and hands-on training. It not only reinforces the city’s growing reputation as a premier destination for technology but also actively contributes to its economic development. The event solidifies Enugu’s transition from its industrial past to a future powered by digital innovation.
