The second edition of the Enugu Tech Festival (ETF 2026) officially opened on Tuesday, drawing high-profile leaders, tech executives, innovators, students and delegates from across Nigeria and beyond to the International Conference Centre, Enugu State.
The gathering is expected to host over 50,000 participants across four days of workshops, panels, keynotes and training sessions.
Themed “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” this year’s festival builds on the momentum of the inaugural 2025 event by expanding digital skills training, startup showcases and discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain and other emerging technologies.
In his opening remarks, Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu State, framed the festival as more than a conference — but as part of a long-term strategy to transition the state’s economy from traditional industries to a digitally empowered future.
While full transcripts of his speech have yet to be published, organisers and officials cited his broader message that the event signals Enugu’s intent to become a knowledge-based economy anchored in innovation, enterprise and youth empowerment.
The governor has repeatedly linked the theme “Coal to Code” to the state’s shift from its historical identity as the Coal City to a hub of technology and digital opportunity.
Focus on Skills, Training and Global Standards
Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, outlined the scale and ambition of ETF 2026.
He highlighted a major training component of the festival, which includes free digital skills training for more than 67,000 participants delivered by international partners including UK-based trainers.
These sessions are designed to cover data analytics, software development, AI and digital project management, with participants earning foreign certifications upon completion.
“Our future lies in innovation, enterprise and youth empowerment,” Ezeh said at a press briefing ahead of the festival, explaining how the initiative aligns with Enugu’s economic transformation goals.
“Through deliberate reforms and strategic investments, we are building the foundation of a resilient digital economy capable of competing nationally and globally.”
Private-Sector Leadership and Advisory Support
Among the private-sector leaders contributing to ETF 2026 is Leo Stan Ekeh, founder and chairman of Zinox Group, who was announced as a featured speaker at the festival.
Also playing a key role is Kingsley Eze, Managing Director and Group CEO of Tenece Group, who was appointed to the Advisory Board for the festival.
In earlier remarks ahead of the event, Eze expressed his commitment to ETF’s mission, noting that the gathering is indicative of the potential of Nigerian youth and contributes to positioning Enugu as a centre of technological progress in Africa.
His company, Tenece, as the CEO indicated, works for all the banks and financial institutions in Nigeria, state governments and national governments in at least ten African countries where it has expanded its services to.
Participation and the Ecosystem
The festival’s speaker lineup also includes senior federal officials such as Dr Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Dr Kingsley Udeh, Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, along with representatives from international missions and regulatory bodies.
Delegations from across Nigeria, other African countries and global innovation ecosystems are also in attendance.
ETF 2026’s programme features keynote addresses, panel sessions, masterclasses and workshops covering areas critical to digital transformation — including artificial intelligence, healthtech, agritech, fintech, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure.
The festival also provides startup showcases and investment forums where emerging entrepreneurs can connect directly with investors and strategic partners.
Organisers describe ETF 2026 as both a celebration of technological innovation and a practical platform to drive measurable socio-economic outcomes — from skills building and certification to fostering collaborations, research partnerships and investment commitments.
As the festival continues to unfold, keynotes and sessions are expected to further articulate how Enugu’s digital agenda is being woven into governance reforms and efforts to decentralise Nigeria’s tech ecosystem beyond its traditional hubs.
To be updated….
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