ETF 2026 Targets 67,000 for Digital Skills, Foreign Certification

The Enugu Tech Festival 2026 (ETF 2.0) will provide digital skills training and internationally recognised certification to 67,000 participants, marking one of the most ambitious capacity-building initiatives yet associated with a technology-focused event in Nigeria.

The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh, disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing ahead of the festival, scheduled to hold from February 24 to 27 at the Enugu International Conference Centre.

According to Ezeh, trainers from the United Kingdom, including partners from 1Goal Analytics, will conduct intensive sessions over three days.

Participants both physical and virtual will receive foreign certification upon completion of the training.

He explained that the programme is designed to promote inclusivity by equipping young people, students, civil servants and entrepreneurs with practical competencies in data analytics, software development, artificial intelligence and digital project management.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that digital skills development cuts across demographics and professional backgrounds,” Ezeh said.

He further linked the festival to the broader economic vision of Governor Peter Mbah, describing the event as a critical component of efforts to reposition Enugu as a knowledge-driven economy.

“The festival is driven by the bold vision of His Excellency, whose administration recognises that the future of Enugu lies in innovation, enterprise and youth empowerment,” he noted.

Ezeh highlighted ongoing reforms under the state government, citing digitisation of public services, education modernisation, technology incubation and infrastructure upgrades as pillars supporting the emerging digital ecosystem.

The theme of this year’s festival, “Coal to Code: Energy in New Form,” he said, symbolises Enugu’s economic and intellectual transformation.

“Enugu was historically known as the Coal City. Today, we are converting that legacy into digital energy ideas, innovation, code and entrepreneurship capable of powering sustainable growth,” he stated.

He added that more than 50,000 participants are expected to attend physically over the four-day event, including startup founders, developers, investors, academics, policymakers and students.

Delegations from across Nigeria, other African countries and international innovation ecosystems have also confirmed participation, a development the commissioner described as evidence of growing confidence in Enugu’s technology ambitions.

Beyond discourse, Ezeh said ETF 2.0 is structured to deliver measurable outcomes, including investment commitments, research collaborations, startup funding agreements and cross-border partnerships.

“Governor Mbah’s transformation agenda is clear diversify the economy, expand digital skills, modernise infrastructure and attract global investment,” he said.

“Enugu is ready to host the world. We anticipate four days of innovation, collaboration and purposeful dialogue that will help shape the digital future of our state and the nation.”