Tech Expo 2026: Stakeholders Rally Government, Others To Unlock Nigeria’s Digital Economy

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Itori Akari

Stakeholders across Nigeria’s technology ecosystem have called for stronger innovation, strategic partnerships and digital collaboration among government, industry, academia and innovators to unlock the country’s digital economy and drive sustainable development.
The call was made during the two-day Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2026, organised by TechNexus Limited in partnership with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), with support from Renaissance Africa Energy, Pana Holdings and the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service (RIRS).
Held at the EUI Events Centre under the theme, “Syntropy,” the expo convened policymakers, technology experts, investors, entrepreneurs, academics and young innovators to explore how technology can transform governance, education, healthcare, agriculture, energy, finance and the creative industry.
Speakers at the opening session stressed that Nigeria must move beyond being a consumer of technology and become a producer of innovative digital solutions capable of accelerating economic growth and global competitiveness.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Aristotle Onumo said Nigeria’s digital future depends on inclusive innovation, digital literacy, artificial intelligence governance, startup development and effective public-private partnerships.
He noted that the global economy is increasingly driven by knowledge, data and digital skills, urging Nigerians to embrace emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), to remain relevant in the evolving digital landscape.
The Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Samuel Ogbuku, described technology as a powerful tool for tackling unemployment and creating wealth. He urged young Nigerians to acquire relevant digital skills, noting that while AI may displace some traditional jobs, it will also create new opportunities for those adequately prepared.
Representing the Rivers State ICT Department, Mrs. Aleruchi Elizabeth Akani identified poor coordination among key stakeholders as a major challenge confronting the state’s technology ecosystem and called for greater collaboration to deepen digital development.
Similarly, Chairman of the Rivers State Internal Revenue Service, Sir Israel Egbunefu, advocated a governance model driven by innovation, digital transformation and accountability, stressing that technology should be leveraged to improve public service delivery and revenue administration.
A major highlight of the expo was the emphasis on youth development and career readiness. Participants were encouraged to build practical skills, embrace AI and position themselves strategically for opportunities in the digital economy.
Speaking during a career development session, facilitator Mr. Iyene advised young professionals to view themselves as products whose success depends not only on acquiring skills but also on effectively packaging and presenting their value to employers and clients.
Experts also addressed the growing threat of cybercrime, identifying weak cyber infrastructure, poor identity management systems and inadequate investment in cybersecurity talent as major vulnerabilities.
They advocated stronger national cybersecurity frameworks, improved digital identity systems, enhanced public awareness and increased investment in cybersecurity professionals to combat emerging cyber threats.
Panel discussions on education technology called for a shift from theoretical teaching to practical digital learning, improved teacher capacity and greater integration of technology into classroom instruction.
The Alliance Française also advocated greater inclusion of French language education within Nigeria’s academic curriculum to enhance global competitiveness and expand cross-border opportunities.
As part of efforts to promote digital inclusion, the organisers donated tablet computers to students of Federal Government Girls College, Abuloma.
The second day of the expo focused on LegalTech, MedTech, EnergyTech, FinTech, data governance and innovation.
Speakers at the LegalTech session called for increased investment in digital education, stronger public-private collaboration and technology solutions tailored to African realities, while emphasising compliance with data protection regulations and opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Delivering a keynote address on energy and sustainability, Renaissance Africa Energy’s Vice-President for Relations and Sustainability, Igo Weli, urged stronger collaboration among government, energy companies and host communities to ensure responsible resource development and environmental sustainability in the Niger Delta.
Healthcare experts identified fragmented medical records, inadequate infrastructure, unstable power supply, poor internet connectivity and insufficient funding as major barriers to quality healthcare delivery. They advocated integrated health records, telemedicine and closer collaboration between health technology and financial technology providers.
Zipline Nigeria showcased its drone-powered medical logistics system, revealing that it has completed more than 190,000 medical deliveries and served over six million patients.
Energy technology experts recommended decentralised solar systems, lithium-ion batteries and battery-swapping technology for electric vehicles, while calling for policy reforms to address financing and regulatory challenges affecting the sector.
Geo-spatial technology specialist Ross Alabo George highlighted the growing use of drones and mapping technologies in agriculture, urban planning, environmental monitoring and infrastructure development, encouraging young innovators to develop expertise before creating technology solutions.
The FinTech session focused on expanding access to finance for small businesses through digital payments, proper record-keeping, tax compliance and data-driven credit assessment. Speakers also challenged African startups to build products capable of serving markets across the continent.
Representing Pana Holdings, Victor Itota described data as the foundation of Nigeria’s future industrial growth, stressing that effective execution rather than ideas alone would determine national competitiveness.
Participants also attended masterclasses on job readiness, startup pitching and career development, while young innovators showcased their ideas during the expo’s hackathon and pitch competition.
A recurring message throughout the conference was that innovation can only thrive through collaboration, skilled human capital, enabling policies and strong institutions. Participants agreed that sustained partnerships among government, industry and academia remain essential to unlocking Nigeria’s digital and economic potential.