The Enugu State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has unveiled plans to train over 67,000 people in digital skills at the 2026 edition of the Enugu Tech Festival 2.0, scheduled to hold from February 24 to 27 in Enugu.
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Prince Lawrence Ezeh, disclosed that the festival will feature three days of free, uninterrupted digital training facilitated by instructors from the United Kingdom, including partners from 1Goal Analytics. Participants will receive foreign certifications upon completion.
According to Ezeh, the 2026 festival represents a significant upgrade from the previous edition, with expanded participation and broader global engagement. The four-day event is expected to attract more than 50,000 tech enthusiasts, startups, and investors.
The training will cover data analytics, digital marketing, software development, and other emerging technologies, equipping participants with skills aligned to international labour market standards.
A major highlight of the festival will be investor engagement. Nearly 100 selected startups have had their pitch materials shared with vetted investors ahead of the event. Dedicated “deal rooms” will provide founders with opportunities to present directly to potential backers. The commissioner expressed optimism that more than 80 percent of participating startups would secure funding or strategic partnerships.
Themed “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” the festival reflects Enugu’s ambition to transition from its historic identity as a coal-mining city to a leading technology and innovation hub in Africa.
The event has also received endorsement from the Embassy of Sweden in Abuja, highlighting international support for Enugu’s drive toward digital transformation and cross-border collaboration.
Officials say the initiative aligns with the broader vision of Governor Peter Mbah to position Enugu as a competitive centre for innovation, youth empowerment, and global technology partnerships.
