Enugu Announces Date for 2026 Tech Festival

In a bold push to cement Enugu’s place as a burgeoning hub of innovation and digital advancement, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, on Thursday inaugurated the Central Planning Committee for the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival.

At a press conference held in the state capital, Dr. Ezeh outlined an expansive and strategic vision for the next iteration of the festival, which is scheduled to take place from February 24 to 27, 2026. Themed “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” the event is expected to build on the success of its inaugural edition earlier this year, which drew over 28,000 digital participants nationwide.

“We are setting a bold target of 50,000 attendees for the 2026 edition,” Dr. Ezeh told reporters. “This is not just a festival; it’s a movement—one that aligns fully with the developmental aspirations of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.”

According to the Commissioner, the theme encapsulates the state’s trajectory from its historic coal-mining identity to a future shaped by data, innovation, and digital energy. The festival, he said, aims to explore the convergence of technology and energy solutions, highlighting sustainable innovation as a cornerstone of economic transformation in the South-East region.

At the heart of Thursday’s announcement was the official inauguration of the Central Planning Committee, comprised of two critical arms: a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and an advisory board. The LOC, consisting of local tech leaders and innovators, is tasked with designing a comprehensive roadmap and budget for the event. Meanwhile, the advisory board will provide strategic oversight, helping to define objectives, curate content, and foster critical partnerships.

“The advisory board is made up of seasoned voices in technology, academia, and government,” said Dr. Ezeh. “Their role will be instrumental in guiding the festival’s relevance, ensuring that what we deliver is both impactful and globally competitive.”

Dr. Ezeh, who recently returned from Paris after attending the VIVA 2025 Global Tech Event, said lessons learned from the international gathering would inform the structure and ambition of the Enugu festival.

“We saw firsthand the kind of ecosystem global innovation demands,” he said. “Our goal is to replicate that energy and vision here in Enugu—bridging global best practices with local ingenuity.”

Beyond exhibitions and keynote addresses, the festival will host a series of workshops, panel discussions, and networking events tailored to spark cross-disciplinary collaboration. Organizers are particularly focused on drawing participation from educators, startups, tech developers, and investors, creating a confluence of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Dr. Ezeh emphasized that the 2026 edition is not merely a showcase but a developmental platform. “This is an opportunity to inspire creativity, boost local enterprise, and stimulate conversation about how technology can address social challenges,” he said.

Preparations are already underway. The LOC, according to Ezeh, is working diligently to secure venues, confirm keynote speakers, and build out programming that reflects the diverse needs of Enugu’s growing tech ecosystem. Early enthusiasm from potential participants, both local and international, is already being felt, he added.

The festival is a centerpiece of Governor Peter Mbah’s “#TomorrowIsHere” agenda, which aims to position Enugu as a technology-driven state economy by 2030. According to officials, the administration sees innovation as a vehicle for job creation, economic diversification, and improved public service delivery.

“Our commitment is unwavering,” Ezeh stated. “We are inviting everyone—from software engineers and data scientists to investors and policymakers—to join us in shaping a brighter, tech-powered future for Enugu.”

As anticipation builds across the state and beyond, the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival promises to be more than a gathering—it is emerging as a symbol of transition, ambition, and the state’s readiness to lead Nigeria’s digital transformation.

“From coal to code,” Dr. Ezeh concluded, “Enugu is writing a new story—one line of innovation at a time.”