Prominent Nigerians will storm Enugu State in their numbers as the city hosts the much-anticipated Enugu Tech Festival 2025, from 7th to 9th May at the prestigious International Conference Centre.
At a press conference on Monday, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, announced that the Tech Festival, Themed ‘Coal to Code’, the event seeks to ignite Enugu transformation from a legacy of coal mining to a future powered by digital innovation and enterprise.
Eze stated that the Enugu Tech Festival “is the result of months of planning, collaboration, and visioning, led by the Enugu State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, with the full support of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and Enugu Tech Ecosystem.
“The Governor has made it clear that his administration is committed to transforming Enugu into a globally competitive tech and innovation hub, and this festival is a tangible manifestation of that ambition.
“We are deeply honoured to host two distinguished federal ministers at the festival: Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Chief Uche Nnaji, Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology.
“Their attendance is not just ceremonial — they will be delivering keynote addresses that are expected to help shape the digital policy direction for Nigeria over the next decade.
“Their presence reflects the Federal Government’s growing interest in decentralising innovation and empowering states like Enugu to take the lead.
“The speakers lineup is a testament to the calibre of the festival. We will be welcoming technology billionaire Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh, founder of Zinox Technologies and a leading voice in African tech; Professor Barth Nnaji, a world-renowned engineer and former Minister of Power; Mr. Obinna Iyiegbu — widely known as Obi Cubana — who is redefining venture capital and entrepreneurship in Nigeria; Mr. Harry Tomi Davies, co-founder of the Lagos Angel Network; and a strong contingent of tech founders such as Ugochukwu Aronu, Kingsley Eze, Patrick Asuama, and Napa Onwusah,” he disclosed.
According to the organizers, over three days, Enugu will be electrified by a dynamic blend of keynote speeches, panel sessions, technical workshops, investment matchmaking in the Deal Room, and cutting-edge exhibitions.
The programme aims to connect start-ups and innovators with investors, while opening channels for corporate partnerships, venture financing and collaborative R\&D.
Tech evangelist Harry Tomi Davies, entrepreneur and tech incubator founder Kingsley Eze, and blockchain innovator Ugochukwu Aronu are among headline speakers.
Others include Napa Onwusah and Patrick Asuama, each contributing unique insights into Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The “Coal to Code” theme draws a powerful metaphor for transformation: once a hub for coal mining, Enugu is now positioning itself as Africa's digital engine room.
The narrative is being shaped not only through dialogue and vision casting, but through concrete initiatives to build infrastructure, digital skills, and innovation-driven enterprises.
The Festival organisers are expecting participants from across Nigeria and the diaspora.
The event will spotlight indigenous talent, tech-enabled SMEs, and student innovators. Beyond networking, it offers a tangible springboard for building the next generation of digital companies and attracting venture capital into the region.
As Nigeria accelerates its digital economy drive, Enugu is staking its claim as a serious contender on the world tech map — not just as a host, but as a builder of the future.
The Enugu Tech Festival 2025 may well be the spark that transforms ambition into action in Nigeria's innovation journey.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner further announced that the festival will feature exciting incentives for participants.
“Hundreds of brand-new laptops and tablets will be given away as prizes — part of our commitment to equipping the next generation of digital creators and innovators with the tools they need to thrive.
“These giveaways will be tied to competitions, workshops, and other interactive sessions, encouraging active participation and excellence.
“The ultimate aim of this festival is not just to create excitement for three days.
“Our goal is to ignite a movement — a sustained momentum that will reshape how we think about technology, investment, and talent development in Enugu and across Nigeria,” he stated.