The Enugu Tech Festival 2026 is set to host a galaxy of technology leaders, including three federal ministers, the Swedish Ambassador to Nigeria, and top executives from the nation’s tech ecosystem, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, has announced.
Speaking on Sunday, Ezeh disclosed that the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Udeh; his Communications, Innovations and Digital Economy counterpart, Dr Bosun Tijani; and the Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, will be attending the four-day event scheduled for February 24 to 27 at the Enugu International Conference Centre.
Governor Peter Mbah will serve as the Special Guest of Honour, declaring the festival open and sharing insights into Enugu’s rapid transformation in tech innovation and youth engagement.
Star-Studded Line-Up
Ezeh listed an impressive roster of speakers and resource persons, including the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm; Founder and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh; and Chief Gossy Ukanwoke, Managing Director of Kingmakers.
Others expected at the festival are: Dr Kingsley Eze, CEO Tenece Group; Hakeem Adeniji-Adele, Deputy Managing Director eTranzact International PLC; Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman Nigerian Communications Commission; Ugochukwu Aronu, CEO Xend Finance; Onyekachi Christian Oparah, Zoho Corporation for West Africa; Napa Onwusah, Managing Partner B4B Partners; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Nigeria’s Chief Technology and Information Officer; Chioma Ekeh, CEO TDAfrica; and Chibuotu Amadi, Co-Founder and CEO Paycrest.
The commissioner said the speakers represent diverse sectors shaping the future of technology.
“We will host technology executives, artificial intelligence specialists, fintech innovators, clean energy experts, digital policy leaders and investment partners,” he stated.
‘Coal to Code’ Vision
According to Ezeh, the festival’s theme, “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” reflects Enugu’s ongoing transformation from its historic identity as the Coal City to a emerging hub of tech innovation, enterprise, and renewable energy in West Africa.
The event will feature keynote speeches, high-level panel discussions, masterclasses, and practical workshops focusing on artificial intelligence, agritech, healthtech, cybersecurity, renewable energy technology, and digital infrastructure development.
50,000 Participants Expected
Ezeh disclosed that over 50,000 participants are expected across the four-day festival, including startup founders, developers, venture capitalists, corporate technology leaders, academics, policymakers, and students.
“Delegations from across Nigeria, other African countries and international innovation ecosystems have confirmed attendance. The scale of participation signals growing confidence in Enugu as a serious technology destination,” he said.
Governor Mbah’s Digital Vision
The commissioner attributed the festival’s momentum to Governor Peter Mbah’s bold vision of transforming Enugu State into a leading knowledge-based and digitally enabled economy.
“The governor has consistently emphasised that the future of our state lies in innovation, enterprise and youth empowerment. His administration is deeply committed to digitisation across government services, education reform, technology incubation and infrastructure modernisation,” Ezeh noted.
67,000 to Receive Free Digital Skills Training
A major highlight of the festival is a three-day free digital skills training programme, available both physically and online, targeting more than 67,000 participants.
“Trainers from the United Kingdom, including partners from 1Goal Analytics, will deliver the sessions, with participants receiving foreign certification on completion,” Ezeh revealed.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to inclusivity — ensuring that young people, students, civil servants and entrepreneurs acquire practical skills in data analytics, software development, artificial intelligence and digital project management.”