By By Micheal Chukwuebuka
THE Enugu Tech Festival 2026 (ETF 2.0) is set to equip 67,000 participants with digital skills and internationally recognised certification during a four-day event in Enugu.
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing ahead of the festival, scheduled to take place from 24 to 27 February at the Enugu International Conference Centre.
Dr Ezeh revealed that trainers from the United Kingdom, including partners from 1Goal Analytics, would facilitate intensive sessions over three days. Upon completion, all 67,000 participants — both physical and virtual — will receive foreign certification.
According to the commissioner, the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that young people, students, civil servants and entrepreneurs gain practical expertise in data analytics, software development, artificial intelligence and digital project management.
He said the festival is driven by the vision of Governor Peter Mbah, who aims to transform Enugu State into a leading knowledge-based and digitally enabled economy.
“The governor has consistently emphasised that the future of our state lies in innovation, enterprise and youth empowerment,” Ezeh stated.
He added that the administration remains committed to digitising government services, reforming education, supporting technology incubation and modernising infrastructure. Through strategic reforms and targeted investments, he said, the state is laying the groundwork for a resilient digital economy capable of competing nationally and globally.
The theme of this year’s festival, “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form”, reflects Enugu’s historic identity as the Coal City and its evolving technological ambitions.
“Coal once powered industries; now innovation will power prosperity,” Ezeh remarked. “This metaphor captures the spirit of reinvention that defines modern Enugu.”
He disclosed that more than 50,000 participants are expected to attend physically over the four days, including start-up founders, developers, venture capitalists, corporate technology leaders, academics, policymakers and students.
Delegations from across Nigeria, other African nations and international innovation ecosystems have confirmed attendance, signalling what the commissioner described as growing confidence in Enugu as a serious technology destination.
Ezeh further noted that ETF 2026 aims to produce measurable outcomes, including investment commitments, research collaborations, start-up funding agreements and cross-border partnerships, alongside tangible economic and social impact.
He reiterated that Governor Mbah’s broader economic agenda centres on diversifying the economy, expanding digital skills training, modernising infrastructure and attracting global investment.
“Enugu is ready to host the world,” he said. “We look forward to four days of innovation, collaboration and purposeful dialogue that will help shape the digital future of our state and our nation.”
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