The city of Enugu, long considered the coal capital of Nigeria, stands on the precipice of a monumental transformation. Once synonymous with the black gold that powered Nigeria’s industrial revolution, Enugu is now looking toward a new kind of mineral—one that is invisible, intangible, but infinitely valuable. This shift is encapsulated in the inaugural Enugu Tech Festival (ETF), scheduled for May 6-9, 2025, with the bold theme “Coal to Code.” The festival represents more than a celebration of technology; it is a declaration of intent—a signal that Enugu is pivoting towards a future defined by innovation, entrepreneurship, and a thriving digital economy.
In just a short time, Governor Peter Mbah is on track to redefine the state, bringing his commitment to modernising Enugu into sharp focus. Under his leadership, the state is not only reimagining its economic identity but actively building the infrastructure, educational frameworks, and entrepreneurial ecosystems to support a tech-driven future. The ETF is the crowning moment of this effort—a platform that will showcase Enugu’s rapid ascent into the digital age, positioning the state as a beacon for tech innovation in West Africa.
There is no gainsaying that in recent years, the coal industry has struggled, and Enugu’s economy has faced the harsh reality of global shifts toward cleaner energy. Yet, as the coal mines quieted down many decades ago, Enugu has found its future in a new sector: technology. Governor Mbah’s “Coal to Code” initiative symbolises this transition—moving from a dependence on a finite, non-renewable resource to a limitless, digital ecosystem that thrives on human ingenuity and innovation.
Governor Mbah has made it clear that Enugu’s future lies not in clinging to past glories but in leveraging technology to catalyse sustainable growth. By positioning the state as a leader in West Africa’s rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, he has set the stage for Enugu to become a powerhouse for technological development. The ETF, the first of its kind, is the first major step in this direction, bringing together startups, investors, government bodies, and academia to create a vibrant tech hub in the heart of Nigeria.
Under Governor Mbah’s leadership, Enugu has seen unprecedented progress in fostering a dynamic tech ecosystem. The state is home to hundreds of active startups, and a growing pool of talented tech professionals are choosing to remain in Enugu instead of migrating to Lagos or Abuja, where the tech scene has traditionally been more established. The ETF represents a pivotal moment for Enugu to harness and amplify this momentum.
A key aspect of Governor Mbah’s strategy has been improving the state’s infrastructure, which has long been a barrier to growth. Enugu, once seen as underdeveloped in terms of digital infrastructure, has undergone a transformation, with key projects aimed at improving connectivity, access to resources, and a business-friendly environment for startups. This includes everything from the construction of tech hubs to the expansion of high-speed internet access, allowing tech entrepreneurs to thrive locally without the need to relocate to more established cities. The festival itself is set to be a powerful demonstration of this evolving ecosystem. From tech rallies to speaking sessions and a grand finale gala, the ETF promises to be a celebration of the innovation taking root in Enugu. However, it is more than just a showcase—it is a launching pad for future growth. The festival will serve as a crucial platform for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas, attracting investors, entrepreneurs, and tech professionals from across Africa.
Central to Enugu’s tech future is the West Africa Stargate (WASGate) initiative—a transformative project aimed at establishing the state as a leading destination for tech startups and investors. WASGate is not just an infrastructure project; it is a bold bet on the future of West Africa’s digital economy. It will provide the physical and digital infrastructure necessary to foster innovation, including state-of-the-art data centres, co-working spaces, and incubators for tech entrepreneurs.
Governor Mbah’s vision for WASGate goes beyond building physical spaces—it is about creating an environment where digital entrepreneurship can thrive. By attracting investment and supporting local startups, the initiative will help Enugu become a regional hub for technological innovation. The festival will lay the groundwork for WASGate, highlighting the opportunities that await entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators.
One of the cornerstones of Governor Mbah’s vision for Enugu’s tech future is the development of human capital. As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand, the demand for skilled tech professionals is growing exponentially. Enugu has made significant strides in addressing this demand through a focus on education and skills development. The ETF will play a key role in this effort, with the festival providing opportunities for training, mentorship, and networking for aspiring tech professionals.
Dr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, who midwifed the ETF, during a press conference recently, emphasised the importance of public-private sector collaboration in shaping Enugu’s future. The ETF will not only celebrate Enugu’s tech scene but will also ensure that it is inclusive and accessible to a wide range of people, from students and young professionals to seasoned entrepreneurs. The goal is to create an ecosystem where talent can thrive, no matter the background or experience level.
With the construction of 260 Smart Green Schools across the various wards in Enugu State, Governor Mbah’s administration is striving to improve the state’s education system, ensuring that the next generation of Enugu’s youth is well-equipped to participate in the digital economy. The state has seen the creation of tech-focused education programs, the establishment of coding schools, and a concerted effort to ensure that digital literacy is embedded in the school curriculum.
Governor Mbah’s vision for Enugu extends beyond just creating opportunities for a select few. It is about building an inclusive future that benefits everyone. The ETF and its associated initiatives will provide opportunities for women, rural communities, and marginalised groups to participate in the digital economy.
Governor Mbah’s efforts have not gone unnoticed at the federal level. During a recent visit to Enugu, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Federal Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, praised the governor’s leadership and vision for the state. Dr. Tijani highlighted the federal government’s support for Enugu’s transformation, including initiatives like the Project 774 Connectivity Initiative, which will bring internet access to all 17 local government secretariats in the state. This collaboration between the federal and state governments will ensure that Enugu has the digital infrastructure needed to thrive in the 21st century.
A key component of this inclusivity is the Digital Literacy for All (DL4ALL) initiative, which aims to train over 1 million residents of Enugu in essential digital skills by 2027. This programme will prioritise underserved communities, including artisans, market women, civil servants, and students, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to thrive in a technology-driven world.
In addition to DL4ALL, other initiatives, such as the 3MTT programme, aim to empower young people by providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the tech sector. These efforts are not only about fostering innovation but about ensuring that Enugu’s growth is sustainable and equitable, with opportunities for all.
Further support came in the form of the Digital Innovation Complex, which will serve as a hub for tech startups, providing training, mentorship, and resources for entrepreneurs. The complex will connect over 200 state-owned institutions to reliable internet services, improving government service delivery and supporting the growth of the digital economy
Governor Mbah’s vision for Enugu is clear: to build a future where innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology drive the state’s economic prosperity. The ETF is a significant milestone in this journey—a moment that marks the beginning of Enugu’s emergence as a tech powerhouse in West Africa. The “Coal to Code” theme encapsulates the essence of this transformation, as Enugu embraces its new identity as a centre for digital innovation and sustainable growth.
As Enugu continues on its path towards becoming a leading tech hub, the ETF will undoubtedly grow in stature, becoming an annual event that draws attention to the state’s burgeoning digital economy. The state’s commitment to innovation, job creation, and infrastructure development ensures that the future of Enugu will be bright, prosperous, and inclusive, empowering the people of Enugu and positioning the state as a leader in Africa’s digital economy.
Okorie is Editor (Nigeria,) Time Africa Magazine
