No fewer than 50,000 participants from across the global innovation ecosystem have confirmed attendance at the 2026 Enugu Technology Festival, scheduled to hold from February 24 to 27, 2026, at the International Conference Centre (ICC) in Enugu.
The four-day festival, now in its second edition, is expected to attract startup founders, software developers, venture capitalists, corporate technology executives, academics, policymakers and students from Nigeria, across Africa and other parts of the world. Scores of participants are also expected to benefit from free and uninterrupted digital skills training sessions throughout the programme.
Briefing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Enugu, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, disclosed that preparations for the event were progressing steadily, with multiple committees working to ensure seamless coordination and delivery.
According to him, committees overseeing logistics, programming, partnerships, security, media and protocol have intensified efforts to guarantee excellence in organisation and impact. He noted that technical installations were nearing completion, exhibition stands were being finalised and digital infrastructure had been upgraded to support both physical and virtual participation on a large scale.
He further revealed that broadband capacity around the venue had been strengthened, cyber security systems enhanced and digital registration platforms integrated to ensure a world-class experience for attendees.
Dr. Ezeh emphasised that the administration of Peter Mbah remains committed to innovation, enterprise development and youth empowerment, stressing that digitisation of government services, education reform, technology incubation and infrastructure modernisation remain central to the state’s transformation agenda.
He remarked that Enugu, historically known as the Coal City, is undergoing a strategic reinvention driven by technology and innovation. According to him, while coal once powered industries, innovation will now power prosperity in the state.
The Commissioner disclosed that delegations from across Nigeria, other African countries and international innovation ecosystems had confirmed participation, positioning Enugu as a growing force within Nigeria’s technology landscape. He stated that the progress recorded in the sector was the result of deliberate policies, strategic partnerships and focused leadership.
Dr. Ezeh also revealed that since the maiden edition of the festival in 2025, the technology ecosystem in Enugu had expanded significantly, with ten new technology hubs established in the state, including a dedicated Blockchain Hub and the Risevest Hub. He added that technology communities from other regions have begun relocating to Enugu, strengthening collaboration among startups, investors and government institutions.
The 2026 edition of the festival is expected to further consolidate the state’s emergence as a major innovation hub in Nigeria.