By Ken Stanley

The Enugu State Government says it has inaugurated the Central Planning Committee for the forthcoming 2026 Enugu Tech Festival (2026 ETF 2.0), while targeting 50,000 participants

The inauguration comes after the conclusion of the 2025 ETF held between May 6 and May 9, 2025 that attracted over 28,000 digital participants, including tech enthusiasts, startups and industry leaders across the nation.

The state’s Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, disclosed this on Friday in Enugu during a press conference after inauguration of the Central Planning Committee for 2026 ETF 2.0.

Ezeh said that the 2026 ETF 2.0 is scheduled between Feb. 24 and Feb. 27, 2026, and with the theme: “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form”.

According to him, this 2026 ETF 2.0 aligns seamlessly with the ambitious development vision established by our esteemed Gov. Peter Mbah.

He said, “Gov. Mbah is committed to transforming Enugu into a hub for innovation and technology.

“Under his leadership, we are working to create an ecosystem that fosters creativity, enhances skills, and promotes sustainable development.

“The Enugu Tech Festival serves as a testament to this vision, emphasising our commitment to integrating technology into our daily lives for economic growth and societal advancement.”

The commissioner said that the inaugurated Central Planning Committee consists of a Local Organising Committee (LOC) and an ETF Advisory Board.

Ezeh said that the LOC is made up of exceptional Enugu-based tech players, who would be essential in identifying critical areas to address and crafting a comprehensive budget for the festival.

He noted that the diverse LOC team members had been charged with ensuring that every aspect of the event resonates with our community’s needs and aspirations.

“The ETF Advisory Board will not only play the role of supporting the LOC by providing strategic guidance and policy directions, they will help to define the 2026 Enugu Tech Festival objectives.

“Their insights will ensure that the festival remains relevant and impactful in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

“The members are expected to leverage their extensive networks to foster partnerships with industry leaders, academic institutions and government agencies.

“The board will curate the festival programme, identifying key speakers, workshops and panel discussions that resonate with current trends and future projections in technology,” he said.

On the theme, the commissioner said that it remained a transformative journey toward renewable energy and innovative technological solutions.

He said, “The festival aims to showcase educational exchanges, foster collaboration among innovators and boost entrepreneurship.

“We are eager for participants to engage in thought-provoking discussions centered on the convergence of energy and technology, ultimately exploring sustainable methods that can propel our society forward.”