The Enugu State Government has inaugurated the Central Planning Committee for the 2026 edition of the Enugu Tech Festival (ETF 2.0), setting an ambitious target of 50,000 participants. This move follows the resounding success of the 2025 festival, which attracted over 28,000 digital attendees from across the tech ecosystem, including startups, innovators, and industry leaders.
Announcing the development at a press briefing on Friday, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, confirmed that ETF 2.0 will be held from February 24 to 27, 2026, under the theme: โCoal to Code: Energy in New Form.โ
Dr. Ezeh highlighted that the upcoming festival is in line with Governor Peter Mbahโs strategic vision to transform Enugu into a regional hub for technology and innovation.
> โGovernor Mbah is committed to building a tech-driven economy. The Enugu Tech Festival reflects our broader efforts to create an enabling environment for innovation, skill development, and sustainable progress,โ he said.
The Commissioner unveiled the two-tier structure of the Central Planning Committee, which includes a Local Organising Committee (LOC) and an ETF Advisory Board.
Grassroots and Strategic Focus
Dr. Ezeh explained that the LOC comprises key players within Enuguโs tech space and will be responsible for identifying priority areas, designing a comprehensive budget, and ensuring the festival aligns with community needs.
> โThese are Enugu-based innovators who understand the local terrain. Their role is critical in tailoring the event to resonate with the aspirations of our people,โ he noted.
Meanwhile, the ETF Advisory Board will provide strategic direction and policy guidance. According to Dr. Ezeh, the board is expected to leverage its vast networks to foster collaborations with industry stakeholders, academic institutions, and government agencies.
> โThe board will shape the festivalโs core objectives, curate impactful sessions, and secure high-profile speakers. Their expertise ensures ETF 2.0 remains relevant in a fast-changing digital landscape,โ he said.
Driving Innovation and Sustainability
The 2026 festivalโs themeโโCoal to Codeโโunderscores a symbolic shift from Enuguโs coal-based history to a future powered by innovation and clean technology. Dr. Ezeh described the festival as a platform to stimulate entrepreneurship, promote knowledge exchange, and explore the intersection of energy and digital transformation.
> โETF 2.0 is not just a celebration of technologyโitโs about fostering sustainable solutions and empowering the next generation of innovators,โ he stated.
With the planning committee in place, the state is poised to build on the momentum of the previous edition and position Enugu as a beacon of tech innovation in Nigeria and beyond.
