ILORIN – Kwara State is set to take centre stage in Nigeria’s growing technology ecosystem as stakeholders from across the country and beyond converge in the state for the maiden edition of Kwara Tech Fest 2026, a two-day technology, innovation and investment festival aimed at attracting global opportunities and accelerating digital economic growth.
The festival, scheduled for October 20 and 21, 2026, is being convened by MoiPayWay Technologies Limited and is expected to bring together technology leaders, startup founders, investors, developers, students, corporate organisations, government institutions, universities, development partners and policy makers for discussions on innovation, entrepreneurship and investment.
Organisers said that the event is designed to position Kwara as an emerging technology and innovation hub by creating direct links between local talent and organisations seeking investment opportunities, skilled professionals, institutional partnerships and emerging technology solutions.
According to a statement issued by the organisers, the festival will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, startup pitch sessions, product demonstrations, exhibitions, technical workshops, career fairs, investor engagements, policy dialogues and networking activities aimed at fostering collaboration across the technology ecosystem.
The programme will focus on critical sectors, including artificial intelligence, financial technology, cybersecurity, blockchain, agritech, digital infrastructure, education technology, health technology, creative technology, smart-city development, financial inclusion and the broader digital economy.
Speaking on the vision behind the festival, the Chief Executive Officer of MoiPayWay Technologies Limited and Convener of Kwara Tech Fest 2026, Mr Damilola Parkinson, said that the event would serve as a gateway for investors, technology companies and development organisations seeking opportunities within Kwara State.
He noted that while Kwara possesses a growing population of students, developers, entrepreneurs and young professionals, many of them lack access to the networks, funding and partnerships needed to scale their ideas and businesses.
“Kwara has the talent, educational institutions, entrepreneurs and local businesses required to participate fully in the global digital economy. What has often been missing is a large platform that connects these assets with investors, technology companies, development organisations and decision-makers,” Parkinson said.
He added that the festival would showcase investment opportunities across technology, education, agriculture, tourism and enterprise development while helping startups secure funding, partnerships and market access.
Also speaking, the Chief Technology Officer of MoiPayWay Technologies Limited and Co-Convener of the festival, Mr Olajide Bakare, said the event would provide developers, engineers and technology entrepreneurs with opportunities to exchange knowledge, gain practical experience and establish strategic relationships with industry leaders.
According to him, participants will benefit from technical sessions, demonstrations and discussions on infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, financial technology and other tools required to build products capable of competing in both local and international markets.
Bakare said technology companies attending the festival would also have access to emerging talent, developer communities, educational institutions and potential implementation partners.
The Programme Relationship Director of Kwara Tech Fest 2026, Engr. AbdulFatai Kolawole Yusuf, FNSE, emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders in driving sustainable innovation and economic growth.
He said that government agencies, universities, financial institutions, development organisations, diplomatic missions and private sector players were being engaged to create partnerships capable of supporting technology-driven development in the state.
Yusuf added that organisations participating in the festival would have opportunities to sponsor programmes, exhibit products, recruit talent, support startups, establish training initiatives and explore investment and infrastructure projects within Kwara State.
The organisers also announced that sponsorship and partnership opportunities have been opened to corporate organisations, financial institutions, government agencies, development partners, universities, professional associations and innovation communities interested in supporting the growth of the technology ecosystem.
Technology companies, startups, business service providers, educational institutions, government agencies and consumer brands have equally been invited to participate as exhibitors, with opportunities to demonstrate products, onboard users, recruit talent and engage directly with prospective clients and partners.
In addition, registration has commenced for early-stage and growth-stage startups seeking to pitch their products and business ideas before investors, corporate organisations and industry professionals.
Selected startups will have opportunities to receive expert feedback, attract funding, secure partnerships, gain media visibility and access mentorship programmes.
The organisers expressed confidence that the festival would deliver lasting benefits beyond the two-day event by encouraging investment, strengthening innovation networks, creating employment opportunities and promoting the adoption of technology-driven solutions across key sectors of the economy.
Kwara Tech Fest is a technology, innovation, startup, policy and digital economy festival established to connect talent, ideas, institutions, investment and commercial opportunities.
The initiative seeks to promote digital skills development, startup growth, responsible technology adoption and long-term economic prosperity in Kwara State and beyond. MoiPayWay Technologies Limited is the convener of the festival.