Enugu Tech Festival 2025: Global Tech Giants to Participate in Landmark Event
The Enugu State Government has announced that executives from global technology leaders, including Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, will participate in the inaugural Enugu Tech Festival (ETF). Scheduled for May 6-9, 2025, at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, the festival is themed “COAL to CODE,” reflecting the state’s commitment to transforming its tech landscape.
Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, shared the details with reporters in Enugu on Tuesday. He emphasized that the festival aims to revolutionize the state’s technology ecosystem and enhance its status as a leading tech hub in West Africa.
“This event is a collaboration between the Enugu State Tech and Startup Ecosystem and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology,” Ezeh stated. “We aim to foster innovation, support tech startups, and inspire young professionals within the tech industry.”
The four-day ETF will feature a variety of activities, including rallies, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions. The state anticipates welcoming around 10,000 participants, including tech company founders, startup enthusiasts, investors, students, graduates, and policymakers.
“Enugu has made significant strides in its tech ecosystem, ranking among Nigeria’s top five states for tech innovation,” said Ezeh. “We are positioning ourselves as the main hub for tech innovation and startup incubation in the West African region.”
The ETF is poised to strengthen the state’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy, with over 100 active startups and thousands of tech professionals in the region. The festival’s “COAL to CODE” theme encapsulates Enugu’s vision of evolving into a tech powerhouse in both Nigeria and the broader West African sub-region.
As part of this vision, the Enugu State Government, in partnership with research institutions and private sector players, aims to create an infrastructure reminiscent of Silicon Valley. A key initiative supporting this goal is the launch of the West Africa Stargate (WASGate), designed to promote collaboration and investment within the state’s tech ecosystem.
The festival will provide the public with opportunities to engage with local innovators and showcase Enugu’s burgeoning tech presence. Notable speakers, including Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and other influential leaders in the tech ecosystem, will deliver insightful addresses on the future of technology and innovation.
Panel discussions will cover crucial topics such as tech innovation, startup funding, and strategies for building a sustainable tech ecosystem in Enugu. Additionally, a town hall meeting will bring together stakeholders and heads of tertiary institutions to discuss tech education and growth strategies for the state and the broader West African region.
Attendees can also look forward to deep-dive sessions with investors offering expertise on securing funding for early-stage startups, alongside specialized panel discussions on subjects like blockchain, property tech, and hardware.
With the Enugu Tech Festival set to become a cornerstone in the region’s tech landscape, the state is on track to establish itself as a vital player in the digital economy, driving innovation and collaboration across West Africa.