…NITDA Donates Laptops to Participants
…₦10 Million Awarded to Winners of Enugu Tech Design Thinking Challenge
Enugu State has taken the lead in technology and innovation as the second Enugu Tech Festival (ETF 2026) begins, transforming a state once known for coal extraction into a hub for coding and technology. The festival marks a historic moment, with Enugu hosting one of the largest tech festivals in Africa.
The second edition of the festival kicked off on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the International Conference Center, Enugu, under the theme “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form”, focusing on innovation and transformation driven by technology.
In his speech, the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, said technology and innovation remain at the heart of Enugu’s transformation under his administration, urging youths to explore the abundant opportunities in both fields.
Mbah expressed happiness that, with imagination and courage, his administration is building a resilient Enugu State where infrastructure works, institutions are digitized, schools produce problem-solvers, and technology quietly powers every aspect of life.
“In three years, we moved from concept to execution. We strengthened security, not only through manpower but through AI-embedded systems that allow faster response and better oversight.
“We invested in roads, transport, and essential services. We expanded the state’s digital backbone and are building the foundation for reliable electricity.
“We moved core government functions onto digital platforms. Processes became traceable, delays reduced, decision-making improved, and governance began to operate with greater clarity and efficiency.
“We introduced Geographic Information Systems into land administration. This has reduced processing time, safeguarded land rights, and brought credibility to our real estate market, earning national recognition for excellence in geographic information services.”
He emphasized transforming the formal education system to enable students across all levels to research, design, and test using digital tools as part of everyday learning.
Mbah also highlighted the creation of innovation hubs to nurture talent outside the formal education system, urging youths to maximize these opportunities.
“Our statewide learning system encourages collaboration across fields rather than isolation, with technological systems embedded throughout. There is no reason the next breakthrough in edtech, fintech, agritech, or healthtech cannot emerge from Enugu State.
“Therefore, I say this to our youth: Master artificial intelligence; study robotics; learn cybersecurity; explore semiconductor design; build products that solve real problems.
“A hundred years ago, Enugu was known for what it extracted — coal. Let this generation be known for what it designs,” Mbah concluded.
In his welcome address, Enugu State’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, described the festival as a defining moment in Enugu’s digital journey, noting that the state has emerged as one of Nigeria’s leading tech ecosystems. Thousands of youths have been trained through various initiatives, and innovation hubs have been established since the inaugural tech festival in 2025.
Ezeh outlined the festival’s key objectives: strengthening partnerships, launching pilot projects in agriculture, healthcare, and green energy, promoting sustainable business practices, and expanding digital infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, urged Enugu youths to take advantage of the opportunities Governor Mbah is creating for their future.
Similarly, the Founder and Chairman of Zinox Group, Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, encouraged youths to believe in themselves, stating that with the foundation laid by Governor Mbah, no Enugu resident will face poverty going forward.
Citing personal experience, the Managing Director of Tenece Group, Kingsley Eze, urged Enugu youths to look inward, noting that unlike when they started and succeeded, Mbah has created an environment for tech and innovation to thrive.
The Enugu Tech Eco-System Design Thinking Challenge awarded winners a total of ₦10 million to help transform their designs into viable startups.
Speaking to PACESETTER, Damilola Bakare, Communications Manager of the Design Thinking Challenge, emphasized that this year’s festival aims to provide practical experience through a six-month training program under the Design Thinking Challenge. She noted that participants have already completed the first three months and are now entering the incubator phase, which will culminate in at least three viable businesses emerging from Enugu.
Olamide Israel, a participant of the Design Thinking Challenge under Team-Make Up, described the experience as life-changing, explaining that it taught him how to design innovations with the people, not just for them, by understanding their needs.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), led by Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, gifted laptops to participants who completed programs on tech-related courses such as cybersecurity, data science, digital awareness, and programming.
The event attracted several tech giants, government officials, and members of the diplomatic corps, including the Ambassador of Sweden to Nigeria, Anna Westteholm, and the Consul General of Denmark in Lagos, Jette Bjerrum.