Global Tech Leaders Storm Enugu as ETF 2026 Attracts Ministers, Diplomats, Industry Titans Across

 


Enugu is set to host an array of high-profile technology leaders, policymakers and global innovators as the second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival gathers momentum, reinforcing the state’s growing status in Africa’s digital economy.

The four-day festival, themed “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” will be formally declared open on February 24 by Peter Mbah, according to the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh.

Federal representation at the event will include Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Ayodele Olawande, Minister of Youth Development; and Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology.

International interest will be underscored by the attendance of Anna Westerholm, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Sweden to Nigeria, highlighting expanding global partnerships around digital transformation, research and skills development.

Private sector heavyweights are also expected, including Leo Stan Ekeh, Founder and Chairman of Zinox Group, alongside executives from fintech, telecommunications and digital infrastructure firms. State officials, including the Deputy Governor, Secretary to the State Government, Speaker and members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, as well as commissioners, are equally scheduled to attend.

Among industry speakers confirmed for the festival are Gossy Ukanwoke of Kingmakers; Kingsley Eze of Tenece Group; Hakeem Adeniji-Adele of eTranzact International PLC; Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission; Ugochukwu Aronu of Xend Finance; Onyekachi Christian Oparah of Zoho Corporation (West Africa); Napa Onwusah of B4B Partners; Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Nigeria’s Chief Technology and Information Officer; Chioma Ekeh of TD Africa; and Chibuotu Amadi of Paycrest, among others.

Dr. Ezeh stated that the festival reflects the administration’s deliberate policy to position Enugu not merely as a participant but as a leader in Nigeria’s digital economy. He noted that since the maiden edition in 2025, ten new technology hubs — including a dedicated blockchain centre and privately backed innovation spaces — have emerged across the state.

Organisers project over 50,000 participants, ranging from startup founders and software developers to venture capitalists, academics, students and policymakers. Delegations from across Nigeria, other African countries and select international innovation ecosystems have confirmed attendance.

A major feature of the festival will be three days of free digital skills training for more than 67,000 participants. Trainers from the United Kingdom, including partners from 1Goal Analytics, will conduct sessions on data analytics, artificial intelligence, software development and digital project management, with participants receiving internationally recognised certification.

The programme will also include keynote speeches, panel discussions, masterclasses and workshops spanning artificial intelligence, agritech, healthtech, cyber security, renewable energy technology and digital infrastructure.

Central to the event is the Startup Showcase and Investment Forum, where emerging entrepreneurs will pitch directly to investors and strategic partners. Selected startups will gain access to post-festival incubation support and advisory services, aligning with the state government’s focus on youth empowerment, enterprise development and long-term job creation.

Organisers insist the festival is structured to deliver measurable outcomes, building pipelines for funding, mentorship and sustained ecosystem growth as Enugu intensifies its transition from coal legacy to code-driven prosperity.

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