The Enugu Tech Fest, which took place from the 7th to 9th May 2025, a the prestigious International Conference Centre Enugu, was not just an event—it was a declaration of intent. The intent was seen and heard loud and clear by all who attended this event. The Intent is; Enugu State is leading the pack in the race for a sustainable digital economy powered by tech startups, and it plans to be in the lead for a long time to come. Enugu State has embarked on an ambitious journey to redefine its economic and technological landscape, and the Enugu Tech Fest served as the launchpad for this ambitious transformation. With the theme “Coal to Code,” the festival symbolised Enugu’s evolution from a coal-dependent economy to a thriving digital hub. With sustained effort and collaboration, Enugu is well on its way to becoming a beacon of innovation in Southeast Nigeria and beyond.
A Vision Realised: Enugu’s Tech Renaissance
The festival featured a diverse lineup of activities, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and exhibitions. Notable speakers included Professor Bart O. Nnaji, founder of Geometric Power, and Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Prof Benjamin Chukwuma Ozumba, 14th VC UNN, who shared insights on the intersection of technology, energy, and economic growth. These sessions provided attendees with valuable knowledge and inspiration to pursue innovation in their respective fields. Other key speakers include Eke Urum Risevest CEO, Uche Aniche of Startup South, also at the event were insightful panel sessions, such as how strategic tech investments cab transform the Southeast`s IGR, featuring Napa Onwusah, Cynthia Chisom, Justina Nnam Ohia, moderated by Eliazer Ajah.
The ETF was more than just a conference—it was a manifestation of Enugu State’s strategic vision to become a leading tech ecosystem in Southeast Nigeria. Governor Peter Mbah, represented by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh emphasised the state’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-driven economy. He highlighted the importance of integrating technology into various sectors to drive sustainable development.
Empowering the Next Generation: Hackathons and Competitions
A standout feature of the ETF was its emphasis on youth engagement through hackathons and pitch competitions. The Enugu State Tech Festival Hackathon invited students and independent innovators to develop solutions addressing real-world challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and fintech. Participants collaborated to create impactful projects, with winners receiving mentorship and opportunities to scale their ideas.
The festival also hosted startup pitch sessions, providing emerging tech companies with a platform to present their innovations to potential investors and partners. This initiative not only showcased the entrepreneurial spirit of Enugu’s youth but also attracted attention from national and international stakeholders interested in supporting the region’s tech ecosystem.
Building Capacity: Training Programs and Partnerships
Recognising the need for a skilled workforce to sustain its tech ambitions, Enugu State launched several initiatives to build capacity among its residents. The Enugu Tech Talent Training Program (ETT), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), aimed to equip 5,000 individuals with in-demand digital skills. The program offered training in areas such as software development, UI/UX design, data science, and artificial intelligence.
Additionally, the state introduced the Pan-African Disruptive Initiative, a free tech training program targeting one million young people. This initiative provided tuition-free certification programs in emerging technologies like AI/ML, cybersecurity, and cloud computing, leveraging global partnerships to deliver accredited diplomas.
Strategic Collaborations: Engaging Educational Institutions
To foster a culture of innovation, Enugu State engaged with local educational institutions through pre-conference tours. Institutions such as the Institute of Management Technology (IMT) and the Enugu State College of Medicine hosted sessions to raise awareness about the ETF and encourage student participation. These engagements highlighted the importance of integrating technology into education and healthcare, aligning with the state’s goal to bridge the gap between academia and industry. ([naijamediatrends.com][2])
Enugu: Southeast’s Emerging Tech Powerhouse
The success of the Enugu Tech Festival positions Enugu State as a formidable player in Southeast Nigeria’s tech landscape. The state’s proactive approach to infrastructure development, policy formulation, and community engagement has created an enabling environment for innovation to flourish. The ETF served as a catalyst for collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, startups, and investors, fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem poised for growth.
As Enugu continues to invest in technology and innovation, it is setting a precedent for other states in the region to follow. The ETF has not only showcased the state’s capabilities but also demonstrated its commitment to shaping a digital future that is inclusive, sustainable, and globally competitive.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Momentum
Building on the momentum generated by the ETF, Enugu State plans to host the festival annually, expanding its scope to include international participants and partners. Future editions aim to feature more diverse sectors, such as fintech, agritech, and health tech, to address a broader range of challenges and opportunities. By continuing to invest in human capital, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships, Enugu is poised to become a leading tech destination in Africa.
The Enugu Tech Festival 2025 was not just an event—it was a declaration of intent. Enugu State has embarked on a journey to redefine its economic and technological landscape, and the ETF served as a platform to demonstrate its willingness to go beyond talk in its coal-to-code agenda and kickstart this ambitious transformation. With sustained effort and collaboration, Enugu is well on its way to becoming a beacon of innovation in Southeast Nigeria and beyond.
Enugu State has emerged as a formidable leader in Nigeria’s tech and digital economy, particularly within the South East and South South regions. Under the visionary leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, the state has transitioned from rhetoric to impactful action, establishing a robust ecosystem that nurtures innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable economic growth.
Strategic Infrastructure and Policy Initiatives
A cornerstone of Enugu’s digital transformation is the domestication of the Nigerian Startup Act through the Enugu Startup Bill. This legislative framework aims to create a conducive environment for startups by providing incentives, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and fostering public-private partnerships. Key infrastructure projects, such as the Enugu Innovation and Outsourcing Hub, are being developed to offer co-working spaces, training zones, and outsourcing facilities, thereby attracting both local and international investors.
Complementing these efforts, the state has embarked on a comprehensive Fibre Infrastructure Development Plan targeting 75% broadband penetration by 2031. This initiative is pivotal in supporting smart city projects, enhancing public service delivery, and positioning Enugu as a competitive player in the global digital economy.
Human Capital Development and Empowerment
Recognising that a skilled workforce is essential for sustainable growth, Enugu has invested heavily in human capital development. The Enugu SME Centre, led by Arinze Chilo-Offiah, has spearheaded various training programs, including the Enugu Tech initiative in partnership with Utiva, which has graduated over 500 individuals in programming and product design. These programs are subsidised to ensure accessibility, with interest-free loans available for participants.
Additionally, the state has been recognised by the National Council on Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (NCCIDE) as the 2024 Best in Digital Technology Human Capital Development. This accolade underscores Enugu’s commitment to cultivating a proficient digital workforce capable of driving innovation across various sectors.
Collaborative Ventures and Private Sector Engagement
Enugu’s collaboration with the private sector has been instrumental in its digital ascent. The Tech City Africa project, covering 25 hectares, aims to establish a tech hub with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including high-speed internet, reliable power grids, and smart transportation systems. This initiative is designed to attract tech startups, research institutions, and established companies, fostering a vibrant tech community through events, workshops, and conferences.
Furthermore, the state’s partnership with the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) and the Digital Industrial Park (DIP) is enhancing its digital infrastructure, supporting the development of a knowledge-based economy.
Recognition and Future Outlook
Enugu’s proactive approach to digital transformation has garnered national recognition. The state’s initiatives in digital technology and human capital development serve as a model for other regions in Nigeria. With ongoing projects and a clear vision for the future, Enugu is poised to solidify its position as a leading tech and innovation hub in the country.
In summary, Enugu State’s commitment to integrating technology into governance, education, and economic development has positioned it as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s digital economy. Through strategic infrastructure development, human capital investment, and collaborative ventures, Enugu is not only shaping its future but also contributing significantly to the nation’s digital transformation agenda. The coal-to-code agenda seemed ambitious for Enugu, but with the capacity and the willingness to match talk with action showcased at the just concluded Enugu Tech Fest, it is clear that the state is ready to lead the drive for
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