The 2025 Enugu Tech Festival has been preserved as Nigeria’s largest technology conference to date. Arranged by the Enugu State Government, the event attracted over 10,000 participants, including tech enthusiasts, innovators, entrepreneurs, and global tech giants such as Google, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, described the festival as a significant leap towards building a resilient digital economy, noting that Enugu State, under Governor Peter Mbah, had moved from policy to progress to lead the tech transformation in Nigeria.
“Coal to Code” Symbolizing Transformation
The festival’s theme, “Coal to Code,” represents Enugu’s shift from its coal mining heritage to a future driven by technology and innovation. Governor Peter Mbah emphasized this transformation, stating that in less than two years, the state had invested heavily in digital infrastructure and the innovation ecosystem, positioning Enugu as a national hub for technology.
A central focus of the festival was youth empowerment. The Enugu State Government announced plans to train 5,000 youths for tech related jobs over the next 12 months,with the aim of boosting tech employment by 50% annually. The festival showcases hands-on work shops, panel discussions, and exhibitions, providing young developers and startups with opportunities to engage directly with local and international investors. Notable speakers included Leo Stan Ekeh, founder of Zinox Technologies; Prof. Barth Nnaji, former Minister of Power; and other prominent figures in the tech industry.
The Enugu Tech Festival is projected to generate over $25 million in economic impact within two years, as part of efforts to transform Enugu’s identity from a coal based legacy to a technology powered future.
Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, highlighted that the festival would now become an annual event, reinforcing a structure from the old Enugu known for coal to one that has become a rising force in Nigeria’s tech driven future.
The 2025 Enugu Tech Festival stands as a proof to the state’s commitment to welcoming technology and promoting an environment conducive to innovation. By investing in digital infrastructure, empowering its youth, and attracting global tech players, Enugu is not only redefining its own future but also contributing significantly to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
As the state continues on this path ,From Enugu being known as the Coal City we are excited to move to the Heights and Center of Innovation and Tech in Africa, to Inspiring the next generation of tech leadership in Enugu TechFest to contribute to the conversations of shaping the future of tech. Enugu Tech Festival is prepared to become a cornerstone event, showcasing the region’s improvement and stabilizing its position as a leading tech hub in West Africa