Enugu has once again taken the center stage of continental innovation as the Swedish Embassy formally endorsed the forthcoming Enugu Tech Festival (ETF) 2026, scheduled to be one of the largest technology gatherings in Africa. This landmark endorsement reinforces Enugu’s rising reputation as a hub for digital transformation, entrepreneurship, and global collaboration.
The endorsement was made official during a high-level meeting between officials of the Swedish Embassy and the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Engr. Prince Lawrence Eze PhD, and his team.
The discussions, which also featured representatives of the British Embassy, centered on strengthening cross-border partnerships, capacity building for young innovators, and positioning Enugu as the epicenter of Africa’s digital economy. The meeting was described as "crucial" and "forward-looking," laying the groundwork for stronger bilateral collaborations ahead of ETF 2026.
Speaking with optimism and clarity of vision, Engr. Prince Lawrence Eze, the Commissioner stated:
“Next year's Tech Festival, we are looking at having a congregation of over 50,000 persons, so, it is going to be quite huge and we are very much looking forward to have the Swedish Embassy fully represented. Enugu is the fastest rising state in Nigeria, and this remarkable growth is no coincidence but a direct result of the visionary and innovative leadership of His Excellency, Barr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
The Governor’s bold reforms, forward-thinking policies, and unwavering commitment to harnessing technology, innovation, and human capital development have positioned Enugu as a hub for creativity and enterprise. His focus on digital transformation, smart governance, and youth-driven development continues to inspire confidence, attract investment, and create opportunities for sustainable growth.
It is on this foundation of innovation and excellence that the Enugu Tech Festival is being built, serving as a testament to his administration’s dedication to making Enugu the Silicon Valley of Nigeria and a true beacon of progress in Africa.”
The ETF Team Lead, Mr. Eliezer Ajah, also emphasized the enormous potential of the festival and how strategic partnerships with global players like Sweden will deepen the impact of the initiative. In his words:
“Like he said, Enugu has the highest concentration of tertiary institutions, it means that there's a very young educated population that can be taught stuff and can learn stuff, so it will even make sense if we can even look at around alignment with Sweed Fund to see what are the low hanging fruits you have regarding tech in Nigeria in the southeast and we can use Enugu Tech Festival as a vehicle to just knock them out since we have the number, we have the reach, we have the access to these people to significantly shorten the goal that you are targeting.
So at the end of the day it's a value for value and hopefully you also come to speak and share things with us at the festival. Ideally for us, we want to max out this partnership, this relationship, and Enugu Tech Festival is going to be that Hot Bird that we can use to maximise it a lot.”
The meeting with the British Embassy representatives further expanded discussions on investment, funding opportunities, and collaborative ventures that will be showcased at the festival. The envoys expressed readiness to support initiatives that will empower young Nigerians, strengthen the tech ecosystem, and create global visibility for Enugu as a model of technological excellence.
ETF 2026 is expected to draw over 50,000 participants, including global innovators, policymakers, investors, and industry leaders. It will feature exhibitions, keynote speeches, innovation showcases, and strategic partnership forums designed to drive sustainable development through technology.
The dual endorsement and engagement with both the Swedish and British embassies signal a new phase in Enugu’s tech diplomacy, ensuring that ETF 2026 will not just be a regional event but a continental gathering of ideas, solutions, and opportunities.
Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a world-class digital ecosystem that will empower youths, attract investors, and redefine Africa’s innovation landscape.
