The Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2025 has emerged as a cornerstone event for Nigeria’s burgeoning technology sector, emphasising innovation and collaboration among industry stakeholders. Hosted in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and sponsored primarily by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), this year’s expo drew an impressive attendance. According to the Managing Director of NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, the event attracted approximately 325,000 participants, with 11,000 attending in person and 320,000 participating virtually.

Under the theme “Emergence,” the expo sought to highlight technological advancements across various sectors, facilitating collaboration and fostering creativity among tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. Dr. Ogbuku urged youths to capitalise on opportunities presented by the event to secure their future and create jobs, stating, “Technology is the bridge to a prosperous future. We must embrace it, invest in it, and ensure it serves the needs of our people.” He emphasised that while the government plays a role in job creation, individuals must also take charge of their futures.

The expo featured an array of activities, including keynote speeches, workshops, and exhibitions focusing on cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics. During the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Content Development & Monitoring Board (NCDMB), Engr. Felix Omatsola, stressed the importance of local content in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem, advocating for homegrown solutions to bolster sustainable growth and enhance global competitiveness.

Adding further dynamism to the event, Dr. Daere Akobo, Group Chief Executive Officer of Pana Holdings, delivered a captivating keynote on digital sovereignty, making a striking analogy between the cloud and a divine entity, asserting, “God is the cloud and we just tap from it.” This perspective resonated with many attendees, highlighting the integral relationship between technology and broader societal values.

The expo also served as a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their innovative solutions, capturing the interest of potential investors and industry leaders alike. Discussions throughout the event underscored the necessity of sustainable innovation in reshaping Africa’s digital landscape, offering practical sessions that delved into advancements in software engineering, fintech, and automation.

Interestingly, the organisers had previously announced different dates for the expo, now confirmed for June 5th and 6th, in an effort to optimise participation. TechNexus Limited, the driving force behind the event, expressed confidence that the rescheduled dates would enhance the overall experience for all participants.

Incorporating cultural elements, the Port Harcourt Tech Expo also featured traditional displays that celebrated Nigeria’s rich heritage, thus underscoring the intersection between technology and culture. This initiative reinforces the expo’s mission to not only advance technological education and business opportunities but also to enrich the social fabric of the region.

As the Port Harcourt Tech Expo continues to evolve, it showcases potential as a catalyst for technological progress in Nigeria, bridging the gap between innovators and industry leaders while inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to harness technology for positive transformation.

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Source: Noah Wire Services