…Mbah’s investments in technology, innovation and digital infrastructure earn Enugu 5th position in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem ranking
The Enugu State MSME and Startup Agency has reaffirmed the state government's commitment to building a thriving digital economy through its sponsorship of the Southeast Blockchain & Games Week (SEBGW) 2026, which brought together technology developers, startup founders, creatives, investors and other stakeholders shaping the future of Web3, gaming and Africa's digital economy.
The agency's participation in the event underscores the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah's determination to position Enugu as a leading destination for technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and investment.
As part of the programme, the Special Adviser on MSME and Digital Economy and Managing Director of the Enugu SME Centre participated in a panel discussion titled, *"Telling the Story: Media, Creatives, Community and Getting Africa's Web3 and Gaming Work Seen."*
During the session, the agency's representative highlighted the importance of combining technological innovation with compelling storytelling, strong communities, market access and institutional support to promote Africa's emerging digital industries.
The discussion emphasised that beyond developing world-class technologies, African innovators must effectively showcase their solutions, talents and success stories to attract global recognition, partnerships and investment.
The agency's sponsorship also reflects Governor Mbah's broader vision of transforming Enugu into a competitive technology and innovation hub through strategic investments in digital infrastructure, human capital development and startup support.
Key projects driving this ambition include the proposed 1.7-hectare Enugu Tech and Innovation Park, designed to support more than 1,000 startups annually; Enugu Talent City for business and knowledge-process outsourcing; the Enugu AI Institute; the Digital Industrial Park; Digital Skills Enhancement Zones; startup incubation programmes; and expanded digital-skills training and technology-enabled employment opportunities.
These investments are strengthening Enugu's innovation ecosystem and attracting increasing recognition beyond Nigeria.
In the 2026 StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Enugu ranked fifth in Nigeria, eighth in Western Africa and 714th globally, representing a 16-place improvement and an annual growth rate of 35.5 per cent.
According to the agency, events such as Southeast Blockchain & Games Week go beyond conventional conferences, providing important platforms for discovering emerging talents, connecting innovators with opportunities, showcasing home-grown solutions and building strategic partnerships capable of transforming promising ideas into scalable businesses.
The agency further emphasised that Enugu's digital transformation agenda is focused not merely on participation in the global technology industry but on developing the talent, infrastructure, institutions and business environment required to compete effectively and establish the state as a leading force in Africa's digital economy.
With sustained investments in innovation, entrepreneurship and digital capacity development, the Mbah administration is positioning Enugu for a future driven by technology, enterprise and sustainable economic growth.
Enugu will not merely participate in the global digital economy. We are building the talent, infrastructure and institutions to compete in it and lead from Africa.
Peter Mbah: From Vision to Impact.
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