50,000 Global Participants To Attend Enugu Tech Festival

Over 50,000 participants across the globe in the international innovation ecosystem space have confirmed their participation in this year’s Enugu Technology Festival scheduled to take place from February 24 to 27, 2026.

This is even as scores of people are to benefit from free uninterrupted digital skills training during the programme.

The four-day event will attract startup founders, developers, venture capitalists, corporate technology leaders, academics, policymakers, and students, and will take place at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Enugu.

Briefing newsmen on Thursday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Enugu on the upcoming event, which is the second edition of the festival, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, said arrangements were ongoing to make the programme worthwhile.

Ezeh stated that the media has remained a critical partner in telling the story of their transformation, adding that they deeply appreciate their role in amplifying this vision.

“I am pleased to report that preparations are advancing smoothly and according to schedule.

“Our various committees covering logistics, programming, partnerships, security, media and protocol have been working diligently to ensure that this year’s festival delivers excellence in organisation and impact.

“Technical installations are nearing completion, exhibition stands are being finalised, and our digital infrastructure has been upgraded to support large-scale participation, both physical and virtual.

“We have strengthened broadband capacity around the venue, enhanced cyber security systems, and integrated seamless digital registration platforms to ensure a world-class experience for participants onsite and online.

“The Governor has consistently emphasized that the future of our state lies in innovation, enterprise and youth empowerment.

“His administration is deeply committed to digitisation across government services, education reform, technology incubation and infrastructure modernisation.

“Enugu was historically known as the Coal City, Today, under Governor Mbah’s leadership, we are converting that legacy into digital energy ideas, code, research and entrepreneurship that will power sustainable economic growth.

“Coal once powered industries; now innovation will power prosperity. This metaphor captures the spirit of reinvention that defines modern Enugu.

“We are expecting more than 50,000 participants across the four-day event. These will include startup founders, developers, venture capitalists, corporate technology leaders, academics, policymakers and students,” he stated.

The Commissioner hinted that delegations from across Nigeria, other African countries and international innovation ecosystems have confirmed attendance.

“It signalled clearly that Enugu State has emerged as a formidable force within Nigeria’s technology and innovation ecosystem. Today, Enugu stands proudly as second only to Lagos in the country’s technology landscape.

“This progress is neither accidental nor cosmetic. It is the product of deliberate policy, strategic partnerships and the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Peter Mbah.

“Fourth, the festival accelerated ecosystem expansion. Since ETF 2025, ten new technology hubs have emerged within the state, including a dedicated Blockchain Hub and the Risevest Hub.

“We have also witnessed the relocation of technology communities from other regions into Enugu, strengthening collaboration among startups, investors and government institutions,” he stated.