Dr. Ezeh, Enugu Science & Tech Commissioner,
The Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, are set to attend the inaugural Enugu International Tech Festival, slated for May 7 to 9, 2025, at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu.
Themed “Coal to Code,” the event is expected to draw over 5,000 participants and marks a major step in positioning Enugu as a fast-rising digital hub on the African continent.
Addressing journalists in a pre-event briefing in Enugu on Monday, the State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, confirmed that the two federal ministers would deliver keynote addresses focused on national policies driving regional innovation ecosystems.
Ezeh also revealed the participation of global tech players, including Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, as well as renowned figures in Africa’s tech scene such as Zinox Group Founder, Stan Ekeh, and prominent scientist and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji.
Business tycoon and investor Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu, widely known as Obi Cubana, will also be present to share his real-world experiences merging business with technology.
According to Ezeh, “The presence of these great tech-innovative personalities and companies shows the event’s significance in positioning Enugu as a burgeoning tech hub in Africa.”
He noted that the three-day festival is being held under the auspices of Governor Peter Mbah, whose administration has prioritized digital transformation and youth empowerment as central pillars of its development strategy.
“Over three days, Enugu will be electrified by a dynamic blend of keynote speeches, panel sessions, technical workshops, investment matchmaking in the Deal Room, and cutting-edge exhibitions,” the commissioner explained.
He emphasized that the goal is to connect startups, scale-ups, and innovators with investors while creating pathways for corporate partnerships, venture capital, and collaborative R&D efforts.
Among the headline speakers are notable tech evangelist Harry Tomi Davies, entrepreneur and tech incubator founder Kingsley Eze, blockchain innovator Ugochukwu Aronu, and digital thought leaders Napa Onwusah and Patrick AsuamaAsuama, all of whom will provide insights into Nigeria’s fast-developing digital economy.
Speaking on the event’s theme, Ezeh said: “The ‘Coal to Code’ theme of the festival draws a powerful metaphor for transformation. Once a hub for coal mining, Enugu is now positioning itself as Africa’s digital engine room.”
“The narrative is being shaped not only through dialogue and vision casting, but through concrete initiatives to build infrastructure, digital skills and innovation-driven enterprises,” he added.
Ezeh disclosed that participants are expected from across Nigeria and the diaspora. He said the festival would highlight homegrown talent, tech-enabled SMEs, and student-led innovations.
“Beyond networking, it offers a tangible springboard for building the next generation of digital companies and attracting venture capitals into the region,” the commissioner noted.
“As Nigeria accelerates its digital economy drive, Enugu is staking its claim as a serious contender on the world tech map — not just as a host, but as a builder of the future.
“The Enugu International Tech Festival 2025 may well be the spark that transforms ambition into action in Nigeria’s innovation journey.
“For more updates and registration details, visit www.enugutechfest.com,” Ezeh concluded.
