Enugu State government, yesterday, said it would increase tech-driven employment by 50 per cent yearly as it unveils plans to host an Enugu Tech Festival (ETF) in May this year.

The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr. Lawrence Ezeh, told journalists in Enugu that the four-day tech festival tagged, “Coal to Code”, would train 5,000 youths for tech-related jobs over the next 12 months, adding that the vision of the government is to position the state as the technology innovation epicentre for West Africa.

Ezeh stated that no fewer than 10,000 people would be expected to participate at the festival, adding that it is purely private-sector driven, pointing out that technology giants such as Google, Amazon and other big names in the tech world have indicated interest in the festival.

According to him, Enugu, historically known for its coal mines and civil service dominance, is now undergoing a digital transformation.

“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 startups 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 (WASGate), a major initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and investment in the state’s tech ecosystem,” he said.