view of enugu techfest 2025

Something unusual is happening in Enugu and the tech community is paying attention. In just one edition, Enugu TechFest transformed from a bold idea into what many media reports described as Nigeria’s largest tech festival, drawing thousands of innovators, founders, developers, investors and policymakers into one space. For a city historically known for coal, that shift is more than symbolic, it’s strategic.

At the heart of the buzz is a powerful narrative: “Coal to Code.” A declaration that Enugu is no longer defined by its mining past, but by its digital future.

The inaugural edition reportedly facilitated over $50 million in startup funding, trained thousands of developers, and connected African innovators with global tech leaders. Executives linked to companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft appeared alongside Nigerian ministers and leading entrepreneurs a rare mix that instantly elevated the festival’s national profile.

Now, with Enugu TechFest 2.0 scheduled for February 24 to 27, 2026 at the Enugu International Conference Centre, expectations are even higher.

But beyond the hype and headlines, one question remains:

What exactly is Enugu TechFest — and why does it matter?

What Is Enugu TechFest?

Enugu TechFest (ETF) is a large-scale, multi-day technology conference and innovation festival hosted in Enugu, Nigeria. It is designed to bring together innovators, startups, investors, policymakers, creators and students under one bold vision: repositioning Enugu as a leading digital and innovation hub in Africa.

Unlike traditional one-day conferences, Enugu TechFest runs as a full festival — blending high-level policy conversations, startup showcases, masterclasses, talent discovery, cultural experiences and investment opportunities.

The Vision: From Coal to Code

The defining identity of Enugu TechFest is captured in three words: Coal to Code.

Historically known as Nigeria’s coal city, Enugu is now pushing to reinvent itself as a center for software, startups, artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital entrepreneurship. The festival serves as both a symbol and a strategy for that transition.

According to official event data, since its inception the festival has:

• Facilitated over $50 million in startup funding T
• rained thousands of developers  
• Connected African innovators with global tech players 
• Supported more than 10 tech hubs within the state 
• Begun tracking and nurturing nearly 100 startups for long-term growth

That’s not just an event footprint, that’s ecosystem building.

Who Is Behind Enugu TechFest?

Enugu TechFest is anchored by the Enugu State Government through the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

It is strongly backed by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, whose administration has positioned innovation and digital economy development as a core pillar of Enugu’s growth strategy.

The festival is also driven by the Commissioner for Innovation, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, who has publicly described the initiative as a practical tool for increasing Enugu’s national tech relevance.

The involvement of government at both State and Federal levels, alongside private sector leaders like Leo Stan Ekeh gives the event both political backing and industry credibility.

leo stan eke delivery a section in the first edition

Who Is It For?

Enugu TechFest is intentionally broad in scope. It targets: 

• Startup founders looking for funding and visibility 
• Investors seeking high-growth opportunities 
• Developers and tech professionals seeking upskilling 
• Students exploring career pathways 
• Tech hubs and ecosystem builders 
• Corporate sponsors and global partners

In short, it is built for anyone serious about the future of technology in Nigeria.

And with Enugu’s tech profile reportedly “shooting up” since the first edition, Enugu TechFest is no longer just a regional gathering, it is positioning itself as a national force in Nigeria’s digital economy conversation.

Enugu TechFest 2.0: Theme, Identity and What Makes It Different

If the first edition proved that Enugu could host a major tech gathering, Enugu TechFest 2.0 is designed to prove something bigger that the city is ready to lead.

The 2026 edition builds on the same defining idea that sparked national attention: “Coal to Code – Energy in New Form.” The phrase is more than branding. It captures a real transition from a resource-based past to a knowledge-driven future powered by software, startups and digital skills.

Officials behind the festival say this transformation is already visible. Since the inaugural edition, more than 10 tech hubs have been supported and close to 100 startups are being tracked and nurtured, showing that the impact extends far beyond the event itself.

A Stronger Identity, A Bigger Platform

This second edition is positioned as a more ambitious, high-energy version of the festival. Expectations are higher, the ecosystem is more prepared, and the national spotlight is stronger.

Several factors make ETF 2.0 different: 

• Greater ecosystem momentum after the success of the first edition 
• Expanded participation from startups, investors and policymakers 
• Stronger training and talent development focus 
• More structured programming built around themed festival days

The event is taking place in February 2026 at the Enugu International Conference Centre, a venue that has increasingly become the focal point for major conferences in the region. Its scale reflects the festival’s growing ambition.

Leadership also continues to play a key role. The initiative is strongly supported by the Enugu State Government, with innovation policymakers such as Prince Lawrence Ezeh emphasizing that the festival is part of a broader strategy to raise Enugu’s technology profile across Nigeria.

In simple terms, ETF 2.0 is not just another conference. It is a statement about where the state and its young innovators are headed.

The Four Festival Days of Enugu TechFest 2.0

One of the most distinctive features of Enugu TechFest 2.0 is its structure. Instead of packing everything into one long schedule, the festival is organized into four themed days, each with a clear focus and audience.

This approach helps participants get deeper value, whether they are founders, investors, developers or students.

Opening & Ecosystem Alignment Day

The first day sets the direction.

This is where the big conversations happen keynote speeches, policy discussions and strategic sessions focused on the future of Enugu’s digital economy. Government leaders, regulators, investors and ecosystem builders come together to discuss infrastructure, funding, talent pipelines and long-term innovation plans.

For many attendees, this day answers a critical question: Where is the ecosystem going, and how can I be part of it?

Investment, Startups & Talent Day

If the first day is about vision, the second is about opportunity.

This is typically the most practical day for founders and young professionals. Startups pitch ideas, investors scout deals, and companies connect with developers, designers and product specialists.

The focus here is clear: 

• Funding opportunities 
• Hiring and talent discovery 
• Startup growth and scaling 
• Upskilling sessions and bootcamps

Given that previous editions helped facilitate over $50 million in startup funding, this day often draws some of the most serious attention from entrepreneurs.

Emerging Tech & Web3 Day

This is the builders’ day, where the conversation shifts from theory to technology.

Sessions are expected to focus on: 

• Artificial intelligence 
• Blockchain and Web3 
• Cloud computing 
• Fintech and digital infrastructure

Live demonstrations, technical workshops and hands-on sessions give developers and founders a chance to see emerging tools in action and learn directly from practitioners.

For many young attendees, this is the most exciting part of the festival where ideas become real products.

 Showcase, Awards & Culture Day

The final day is about celebration, recognition and visibility.

Startups demonstrate what they have built. Outstanding contributors to the ecosystem receive awards. And the atmosphere shifts into something broader than tech alone — blending networking, culture and entertainment.

This closing day plays an important role in branding Enugu as not just a tech destination, but a vibrant city where innovation and culture meet.

And that combination, learning, funding, talent, recognition and community is exactly what makes Enugu TechFest more than just another conference.

Expected Highlights of Enugu TechFest 2.0

What makes Enugu TechFest stand out is not just the scale of the event, but the depth of opportunities packed into a few days. ETF 2.0 is expected to deliver a mix of high-level policy dialogue, practical learning, funding access and real career pathways — all in one place.

Here are the highlights participants are most looking forward to.

High-Profile Speakers and Policy Leaders

One of the biggest draws of Enugu TechFest is the calibre of people in the room.

The festival brings together government leaders, global industry voices and startup founders who are actively shaping Nigeria’s digital economy. Key figures associated with the event include: 

• Peter Ndubuisi Mbah — driving the Coal-to-Code transformation agenda with the launch of Haier Group $20m factory 
• Prince Lawrence Ezeh — leading innovation and ecosystem development in the state 
• Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh — representing federal-level innovation policy 
• Leo Stan Ekeh — one of Nigeria’s most respected tech entrepreneurs

The presence of policymakers alongside founders and investors creates a rare environment where decisions, ideas and opportunities intersect in real time.

Startup Marketplace, Funding and Investor Access

For many founders, this is where the real value lies.

Startup exhibitions and pitching sessions give early-stage companies a chance to present their products, meet investors and build partnerships. The impact is already measurable: organisers report that the festival ecosystem has helped facilitate over $50 million in startup funding since inception.

ETF 2.0 is expected to expand this momentum with structured pitch sessions, investor networking and deal-making opportunities built into the programme.

Masterclasses, Bootcamps and Upskilling

Not everyone attends to pitch a startup — many come to learn.

Technical workshops, training sessions and masterclasses are designed to help developers, designers and aspiring founders sharpen practical skills. Recaps from the first edition showed packed training sessions and bootcamp-style learning environments, and the 2026 programme continues that focus on upskilling.

For students and early-career professionals, this kind of hands-on exposure can shorten the learning curve dramatically.

Talent Discovery and Job Opportunities

ETF has increasingly positioned itself as a bridge between talent and employers.

Companies and startups attend not only to showcase products but to meet developers, engineers and digital professionals. With Nigeria’s tech talent demand growing rapidly and remote opportunities expanding these connections can lead directly to internships, contracts or full-time roles.

Laptop Giveaways and Youth Empowerment

One of the most tangible highlights of ETF 2.0 is its device support initiative.

Organisers revealed that about 50 laptops were distributed during the first edition. For 2026, the target is significantly higher, around 250 laptops, alongside tablets and other tools aimed at helping young people begin or continue careers in tech.

In a country where hardware cost remains a major barrier, initiatives like this can make a real difference in widening access to digital skills.

Support for Tech Hubs and Startups

Beyond the festival itself, ETF has become part of a longer-term ecosystem strategy.

Officials have indicated that: 

• More than 10 tech hubs have benefited from support linked to the festival 
• Nearly 100 startups are being tracked and nurtured for scalability

This shows the event is not just about speeches and panels, it is about building infrastructure for sustained innovation.

Awards, Culture and City Branding

The final day of the festival blends technology with culture, showcasing startups, recognising ecosystem leaders and celebrating creativity.

Awards and recognition give startups visibility and credibility, while performances and cultural moments help present Enugu as a city where innovation and lifestyle coexist.

That combination is powerful for branding. Increasingly, conversations about Nigeria’s tech future are no longer limited to Lagos or Abuja — Enugu is entering the narrative.

Why Enugu TechFest 2.0 Matters Beyond the Event

Events come and go. Ecosystems take years to build.

What makes Enugu TechFest significant is that it is part of a broader strategy to reshape an entire regional economy.

Accelerating the Digital Economy

By connecting startups with investors, training developers and attracting policy attention, the festival strengthens the foundations of a digital economy that can create jobs at scale.

Nigeria’s tech sector has already attracted billions in venture funding over the past decade, and initiatives like ETF help ensure that growth spreads beyond traditional tech hubs.

Empowering Young People

Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 60% of citizens under the age of 25 according to demographic estimates. Events that provide skills, mentorship and tools can directly influence employability and entrepreneurship among this generation.

ETF’s training sessions, device giveaways and talent programmes are designed with that reality in mind.

Attracting Investment and Partnerships

Investors go where ecosystems are active.

By bringing founders, policymakers and investors into one environment, Enugu TechFest increases visibility for local startups and signals to the wider market that the state is serious about innovation.

That visibility often leads to partnerships that continue long after the festival ends.

Rebranding Enugu as an Innovation City

For decades, Enugu was known primarily for its coal history. Today, the conversation is shifting toward software, startups and digital infrastructure.

Brand perception matters in attracting talent and capital. ETF plays a central role in reshaping how the city is seen both nationally and internationally.

Conclusion: Is Enugu TechFest 2.0 Worth Attending?

If you are a startup founder, developer, investor, student or anyone curious about the future of technology in Nigeria, Enugu TechFest 2.0 is more than just another event on the calendar.

It is: 

• A place to learn 
• A place to network 
• A place to discover opportunities 
• A place to see where the industry is heading

Few events combine policy, funding, training, culture and real ecosystem development in one platform. That is what makes ETF different.

And if the first edition proved anything, it’s this: when the right people, ideas and resources meet in one place, momentum follows.

If you have not registered for the event, use the link below:

Enugu Tech Festival Official Website
https://enugutechfest.com

To have a broaader insight about the forthcoming event, Listen to the commissioner for Innovation Enugu State. 

Commissioner’s Interview on Enugu Tech Fest 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wx_FPpe-Mk