By STANLEY NWANOSIKE

No fewer than 5,000 participants including the Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Zinoks will attend the first Enugu International Tech Festival holding in Enugu from May to May 9.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, disclosed this in a pre-event press briefing on Monday in Enugu.

Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy, and Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, were also expected to attend the festival.

The International Tech Festival 2025, which will hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, is themed: “Coal to Code”.

The commissioner said that both ministers would deliver keynote addresses on Federal Government policies fostering regional ecosystems.

Ezeh noted that apart from tech giants; Microsoft, Google and Amozans, great names in African tech ecosystems, which included Zinox Group Founder, Stan Ekeh; and eminent scientist and former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, would attend the festival.

The commissioner noted that business mogul turned investor, Dr. Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, would be around to share his practical tech-business experience as well.

He added that the presence of these great tech-innovative personalities and companies showed the event’s significance in positioning Enugu as a burgeoning tech hub in Africa.

According to him, the tech convergence is being hosted under the auspices of Gov. Peter Mbah, whose administration has placed digital transformation and youth empowerment at the heart of its development strategy.

He said, “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 programme aims to connect start-ups, scale-ups and innovators with investors, while opening channels for corporate partnerships, venture financing and collaborative alliances in Research and Development (R&D).

“Tech evangelist, Harry Tomi Davies, entrepreneur and tech Incubator Founder, Kingsley Eze; and blockchain Innovator, Ugochukwu Aronu, are among headline speakers.

Others include Napa Onwusah and Patrick Asuama, each contributing unique insights into Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

The commissioner noted that the “Coal to Code” theme of the festival drew a powerful metaphor for transformation; adding: “Once a hub for coal mining, Enugu is now positioning itself as the 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 said.

Ezeh said that participants to the festival would be coming from across Nigeria and the Diaspora adding that the event would spotlight indigenous talent, tech-enabled Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and student innovators.

“Beyond networking, it offers a tangible springboard for building the next generation of digital companies and attracting venture capitals into the region.

“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 the Nigeria’s innovation journey.

“For more updates and registration details, visit www.enugutechfest.com,” he added. (NAN)