No less than 50,000 participants are expected in the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival.
This was disclosed by the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Engr Lawrence Ezeh.
He stated this on Thursday while briefing journalists after inaugurating the Central Planning Committee for the upcoming festival.
The commissioner averred that the festival, under the compelling theme "Coal to Code: Energy in New Form," is slated from February 24 to 27, 2026, adding that it aligned seamlessly “with the ambitious development vision established by our esteemed Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Mbah”.
He noted that the governor was committed to transforming Enugu into a hub for innovation and technology.
Ezeh noted that under the governor"s leadership, they were working to create an ecosystem that fosters creativity, enhances skills, and promotes sustainable development.
He further disclosed that the Enugu Tech Festival serves as a testament to this vision, emphasizing their commitment to integrating technology into their daily lives for economic growth and societal advancement.
According to him, "As part of today’s ceremony, we proudly inaugurate the Central Planning Committee, which consists of a Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and an advisory board.
“The LOC comprises exceptional tech players based in Enugu, carefully selected, who will be essential in identifying critical areas to address and crafting a comprehensive budget for the festival.
"This diverse team is charged with ensuring that every aspect of the event resonates with our community’s needs and aspirations.
“The advisory board will play a crucial role in shaping the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival
"The board will not only play the role of supporting the LOC by providing strategic guidance and policy directions, they will help to define the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival objectives.
"Their insights will ensure that the festival remains relevant and impactful in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
“Members are expected to leverage their extensive networks to foster partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions, and government agencies.
“The board will curate the festival program, identifying key speakers, workshops, and panel discussions that resonate with current trends and future projections in technology.
"The overarching theme, ‘Coal to Code’, represents a transformative journey toward renewable energy and innovative technological solutions. The festival aims to showcase educational exchanges, foster collaboration among innovators, and boost entrepreneurship.
"We are eager for participants to engage in thought-provoking discussions centered on the convergence of energy and technology, ultimately exploring sustainable methods that can propel our society forward.
“Just recently, I returned from Paris, France, where I attended the Global Tech Event - VIVA 2025. This global gathering enlightened us with insights into world-class digital innovations and transformative technology trends. Being a part of such a prestigious event allowed me to network with visionaries and pioneers, gaining invaluable experience that I now bring back to Enugu.
"Our aim in 2026 is to replicate the essence of the Viva event right here, in our own city of Enugu.
“As we prepare for the festival, we are determined to combine international best practices with local talents and ideas.
“By presenting a platform that shares cutting-edge digital advancements, we aim for our festival not only to inspire attendees but also to ignite a deeper conversation around the role of technology in enhancing productivity, creativity, and sustainability.”
“I am thrilled to announce that the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival will be a convergence point for educators, innovators, and entrepreneurs from various disciplines.
“We will facilitate workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities that cover a wide spectrum of topics, all aimed at harnessing the power of technology for social good.
“This gathering will not only showcase our local talents but also invite global collaboration.
“Our goal is clear: we wish to create a festival that serves as both a celebration of local achievements and a launchpad for expanding our reach beyond state and national borders," Ezeh further stated.