The Enugu State Government is preparing to host the inaugural Enugu Tech Festival (ETF), an event showcasing the state’s ambition to become a major technology and innovation hub. The festival, scheduled from May 6 to May 9, 2025, will take place at the International Conference Centre in Enugu. The event’s theme is “COAL to CODE.”
Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, announced that executives from global technology companies, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, will be participating in the festival. The ETF is a collaborative effort between the Enugu State Tech and Start-up Ecosystem and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology. Its primary goals are to promote innovation, support technology startups, and inspire young professionals within the tech industry.
The festival will host a variety of activities, including rallies, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions. Organizers anticipate the attendance of 10,000 participants, encompassing founders of established tech companies, startup enthusiasts, tech investors, students, graduates, and tech policymakers.
Dr. Ezeh highlighted Enugu’s historical significance tied to coal mining and civil service. He noted the state’s ongoing digital transformation, with innovative young people driving the shift towards a coding era.
“The ETF is the embodiment of this shift, signaling the state’s transition from coal dependency to a thriving technology and innovation hub,” Dr. Ezeh stated. He added that Enugu is “pushing up higher to be the main hub of tech innovation and start-ups incubation in West African region,” solidifying the state’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy.
The “COAL to CODE” theme reflects the government’s vision of transforming Enugu into a technology powerhouse. The Enugu State Government, in conjunction with research institutions and private sector partners, aims to establish a Silicon Valley-like infrastructure. A key initiative is the West Africa Stargate (WASGate), designed to encourage collaboration and investment in the state’s tech ecosystem.
The event will give the public a chance to engage with local innovators and see the city’s growing tech community.
Attendees can anticipate speaking engagements, addresses on technology and innovation by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and other tech leaders. Panel discussions will cover startup funding, the West Africa Stargate initiative, and building a sustainable tech ecosystem in Enugu. There will also be a town hall meeting to discuss tech education and growth, along with deep-dive sessions on securing funding for early-stage startups. Specialized panel sessions will cover blockchain, property tech, and hardware, followed by an exhibition showcasing regional innovations.
