The Enugu State Government has revealed that executives from global technology and innovation leaders, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, will attend the first-ever Enugu Tech Festival (ETF).
Ndi Enugu,
From Enugu being known as the Coal City we are excited to move to the Heights and Center of Innovation and Tech in Africa.
Join us in May 2025 for the Enugu Tech Festival, the Biggest Tech Festival in Africa.
— Enugu Tech Festival (ETF) (@Enugu_techfest) February 8, 2025
The four-day event, themed “COAL to CODE,” will take place at the International Conference Centre in Enugu from May 6 to May 9, 2025.
Speaking to reporters in Enugu on Tuesday, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, said the festival aims to transform the state’s tech ecosystem and establish it as a leading tech hub in West Africa.
He explained that the festival is a joint effort between the Enugu State Tech and Start-up Ecosystem and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.
The initiative seeks to foster innovation, support tech start-ups, and inspire young professionals in the industry.
Ezeh highlighted that the event will feature a variety of activities, including rallies, panel discussions, networking sessions, and exhibitions.
Approximately 10,000 participants are expected, ranging from founders of established tech companies to start-up enthusiasts, tech investors, students, graduates, and policy-makers.
“Enugu has grown significantly in terms of its tech ecosystem, ranking among Nigeria’s top five states for tech innovation and pushing up higher to be the main hub of tech innovation and start-ups incubation in West African region,” he said.
With over 100 active start-ups and thousands of tech professionals, the ETF is projected to solidify Enugu’s role as a key player in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Ezeh emphasised that the festival’s theme, “COAL to CODE,” represents a vision to transform the state into a major tech powerhouse in the West African region.
The commissioner also unveiled plans to create Silicon Valley-like infrastructure in collaboration with research institutions and private sector partners.
A highlight of this ambition is the launch of the West Africa Stargate (WASGate), an initiative designed to enhance collaboration and investment in the state’s tech ecosystem.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with local innovators and experience Enugu’s growing tech presence.
The festival will include keynote speeches, panel discussions on tech innovation, startup funding, and the West Africa Stargate initiative, as well as a town hall meeting to explore strategies for tech education and growth.
Specialised sessions will delve into areas like blockchain, property tech, and hardware, with investors sharing insights into securing funding for early-stage startups.
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, and other prominent figures from the tech ecosystem are expected to deliver insightful addresses during the event.
NAN
