Tech Initiative: Enugu trains 5,000 youths, begins digital transformation festival

The Enugu State government is set to train 5,000 youth for tech-related jobs over the next 12 months.

This is even as the government will hold the Enugu Tech Festival tagged ‘COAL to CODE,’ which takes place from May 6th to 9th, 2025, aimed to revolutionize the state’s technology ecosystem and boost its position as one of West Africa’s leading tech hubs.

In a detailed plan for the festival made available to South-East PUNCH on Monday, the Commissioner for Innovation Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh explained that the event’s mission is to increase tech-driven employment by 50 per cent annually.

Ezeha said the ETF is a collaborative initiative between the Enugu State Tech and Start-up Ecosystem and the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, designed to foster innovation, support tech start-ups, and inspire young professionals within the tech industry.

The event, he said will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and will feature a wide array of activities, including rallies, panel sessions, networking opportunities, and exhibitions.

He said that Enugu, historically known for its coal mines and civil service dominance, is now undergoing a digital transformation.

He said, “The ETF is the embodiment of this shift, signalling the state’s transition from coal dependency to a thriving technology and innovation hub. Enugu has grown significantly in terms of its tech ecosystem, ranking among Nigeria’s top five states for tech innovation. 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.

“The festival’s focus on ‘COAL to CODE’ encapsulates the vision of turning Enugu into a tech powerhouse. 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, a major initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and investment in the state’s tech ecosystem.”

The ETF will kick off on May 6th with a large-scale tech rally around Enugu and conclude at the International Conference Centre by 3 p.m. This event will provide the public with a chance to engage with local innovators and showcase the city’s growing tech presence.

Ezeh added, “On the second day, May 7th, the festival will officially begin its conference sessions. The day will feature several speaking engagements, including a welcome address by the governor of Enugu State, the Commissioner for Innovation, and key leaders from the tech ecosystem. Panel discussions will highlight the importance of tech innovation, start-up funding, and the vision for the West Africa Stargate initiative.

“The third day, May 8th, will continue with talks and panel discussions, focusing on building a sustainable tech ecosystem in Enugu. A town hall meeting will allow stakeholders and heads of tertiary institutions to discuss strategies for tech education and growth in the region.

“Additionally, a deep dive session with investors will offer valuable insights into securing funding for early-stage start-ups.”

Ezeh averred that the festival will conclude on May 9th with specialized panel sessions covering blockchain, proptech, and hardware, followed by an exhibition showcasing the latest innovations from across the region. The event will culminate with an award ceremony and a gala night to celebrate outstanding contributions to the tech industry.

The commissioner said that the ETF aims to bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including founders of established tech companies, start-up enthusiasts, tech investors, and students eager to explore career opportunities in the tech industry.

With over 30 tertiary institutions in Enugu State, the ETF provides an ideal platform to engage young talents, position them for future employment, and create opportunities for networking and collaboration.

The commissioner added, “One of the ETF’s primary goals is to bridge the gap between tech start-ups and the funding they need to scale. Through initiatives like WASGate, the festival aims to attract angel investors and venture capitalists, provide seed funding to startups, and create thousands of job opportunities for the youth. The event’s mission is to increase tech-driven employment by 50 per cent annually and train 5,000 youth for tech-related jobs over the next 12 months.”

Enugu State’s long-term vision for the ETF is to position the state as the technology innovation epicentre for West Africa. By fostering strong government backing, academic partnerships, and industry engagement, the ETF hopes to establish Enugu as the region’s premier destination for tech investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

Through strategic initiatives such as the WASGate, which includes a $1.7 million angel investment fund, the ETF, the commissioner said, is poised to accelerate the growth of tech start-ups and attract international investors to the region.

He enthused, “The festival aims to generate over $25 million in economic impact over the next two years, creating thousands of jobs and fostering an ecosystem of innovation and growth.”