By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

The Enugu State Government says executives of global leading technology and innovation companies, Google, Amazon, Microsoft and others, will participate in the inaugural edition of Enugu Tech Festival (ETF).

The four-day festival, which holds from May 6 and May 9, 2025, at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, is themed: ?COAL to CODE?.

Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, said this while briefing newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday.

He said the event was aimed at revolutionising the state?s technology ecosystem and boost its position as one of the leading tech-hub in West Africa.

Ezeh said the festival was a collaboration between Enugu State Tech and Start-up Ecosystem and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology.

He said it would provide an avenue to foster innovation, support tech start-ups, and inspire young professionals within the tech industry.

He said the festival would feature activities, including rallies, panel sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions.

Eze said 10,000 participants were expected at the festival, including founders of established tech companies, start-up enthusiasts, tech investors, students, graduates and tech policy-makers.

?Enugu has grown significantly in terms of its tech ecosystem, ranking among Nigeria?s top five states for tech innovation and pushing up higher to be the main hub of tech innovation and start-ups incubation in West African region.

?With more than 100 active start-ups and thousands of tech professionals, the ETF is expected to solidify the state?s place as a key player in Nigeria?s digital economy,? he said.

The commissioner said the festival?s focus on ?COAL to CODE? encapsulates the vision of turning the state into a tech powerhouse not just in the country but entire West African sub-region.

?The Enugu State Government, in partnership with research institutions and private sector players, seeks to create a Silicon Valley-like infrastructure.

?Central to this ambition is the launch of the West Africa Stargate (WASGate), a major initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and investment in the state?s tech ecosystem,? he said.

The commissioner said the event would provide the public with a chance to engage with local innovators and showcase the city?s growing tech presence.

There will be thought-provoking speaking engagements, insightful addresses on the future of technology and innovation by the Governor Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah and other key leaders from the tech ecosystem.

?Panel discussions will highlight the importance of tech innovation, startup funding and the vision for the West Africa Stargate initiative as well as building a sustainable tech ecosystem in Enugu.

?There will be a town hall meeting where stakeholders and heads of tertiary institutions will discuss strategies for tech education and growth in the state, country and West African region.

?There will be a deep dive session with investors offering valuable insights into securing funding for early-stage startups and specialised panel sessions covering blockchain, property tech and hardware, among others,? he said. (NAN)

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