The Enugu State Government has announced plans for the 2026 edition of its Tech Festival, with an ambitious target of attracting 50,000 participants.
The four-day event is scheduled to take place in February 2026.
State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Prince Lawrence Eze, disclosed this while inaugurating the Central Planning Committee for the festival in Enugu. He noted that the upcoming event builds on the success of the inaugural edition held earlier this year, which recorded over 28,000 digital participants, including tech enthusiasts, startups, and industry leaders from across the country.
Eze said the 2026 festival, themed “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” is closely aligned with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to transform Enugu into a hub of innovation and technology. He emphasized that the event will serve as a platform to integrate technology into everyday life for economic growth and social development.
“Under Governor Mbah’s leadership, we are working to create an ecosystem that fosters creativity, enhances skills, and promotes sustainable development. The Enugu Tech Festival is a testament to that commitment,” he said.
The commissioner added that the Central Planning Committee includes a Local Organising Committee (LOC) and an advisory board made up of notable tech experts from Enugu. He said the advisory board will provide strategic guidance, help shape the festival’s objectives, and support the LOC with policy direction and program curation.
“These members will leverage their networks to foster partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and government agencies. Their input will ensure the festival remains relevant and impactful in today’s dynamic tech landscape,” Eze said.
He explained that the festival’s theme, “Coal to Code,” symbolizes a transition from traditional energy sources to renewable energy and technological innovation. According to him, the event aims to promote educational exchanges, inspire collaboration among innovators, and encourage entrepreneurship across sectors.
Eze, who recently returned from the Global Tech Event—VIVA 2025—in Paris, stated that lessons from the international forum would be deployed to enhance the quality and scale of Enugu’s own tech gathering. He stressed the importance of combining international best practices with local talent and creativity.
“Our goal is to replicate the essence of the Viva event right here in Enugu. By providing a platform that showcases cutting-edge digital advancements, we hope not just to inspire but to ignite critical conversations about technology’s role in enhancing productivity, creativity, and sustainability,” he said.
The 2026 festival, according to the commissioner, will convene educators, innovators, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders from diverse disciplines. Activities will include workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions geared toward harnessing technology for social good.
“We want this festival to serve as a celebration of local achievements and a launchpad for global collaborations. By tapping into this shared momentum, we can make the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival a landmark event that paves the way for a more technologically advanced future,” he said.
