PH Tech Expo focuses on tech to solve local problems
…AI and blockchain, robotics and cybersecurity are the focus of the Expo
It appears that a tech community has emerged in the Niger Delta in order to compete with other technology hubs around the globe. The Niger Delta Tech hub is reportedly focused on solving local problems using global resources, so that charity can start at home.
According to resource persons, it is true that, after two years, the Port Harcourt Tech Expo has been a success, a tech community made up of tech enthusiasts from home and abroad has emerged, anchored by TechNexus in partnership with Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) & sponsors. All seem to agree on the fact that “The Tech Future Is Now”. And it’s built in Port Harcourt.”
Background.
Chioma Aninwe is the communications director for the ‘PH Tech Expo.’ According to her, the organisers did a thorough investigation to determine the problem. For this, it was said that they had looked at emerging technologies in various disciplines. That seemed to be the reason they chose the theme ‘Emergence’ for 2025 which is the second version. Aninwe stated: “We realized most people were doing the same thing or didn’t know each other in order to be able to find help.” We decided that the first goal would be to create a meeting point where people could get connected and receive help through collaboration.
To that end, masterclasses were held that dealt with a variety of needs, including intellectual property and your right to intellectual property.
This resulted in a resolution to meet people from other tech hubs and share their experiences. They brought in people from all over the region to create a sense of community and bonding. Some sessions were only for Port Harcourt residents.
They made pitches so people could offer solutions to the problems identified at this event. The experts were asked to look around and see what tech can solve. They could win N5m for doing so.
Organisers created opportunities to showcase the innovators who were identified. This has created a tech community that can be easily led to success.
NDDC CEO reveals pathway:
The NDDC has been one of the big-time sponsors, and the CEO, Samuel Ogbuku, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Political and Administrative Studies as well as post graduate degree in Development Studies. He gave what many considered big impact opening remarks which tried to lay the pathway for tech in the oil region.
He said: “This event is actually targeted at exposing our youths to tech benefits, beyond exposure. This is because Tech is the future of the world; that is why things such as fintech, agritech, etc, are growing big. Tech has taken the lead.”
He said those leading in the fintech sector in Nigeria were youths. “This is the early stage where we can empower our youths. That means we are securing their future.”
Ogbuku made a startling disclosure, saying most of the scholars the NDDC sends abroad have the challenge of knowing how to cope with ICT-based study, and that it affects their grade.
He stated: “In the outside world, learning is by computer. Sometimes, you may not have human interaction in some subjects. The ‘PH Tech Expo’ is not only to expose you but to make you benefit from it. Some are already making it.
“This is one sector where you do not need employment but to create your own company and employ others. Unfortunately, some of our youths are busy on social media insulting people, criticizing government, whereas you can make money on the internet.”
He said people are making money online but some persons said youths of the regions were making enemies. “You can be here and be earning from abroad. It is an avenue of earning money. You create a personality and earn money from it online. That is the objective the NDDC wants to pursue for the youth of the region.”
The sustainability aspect of the scheme is said to be to move from giving starter packs to creating platforms such as the Tech Expo for young persons to find relevance. “This platform will empower you if you can open your mind and learn. Your life will never be same again. You are never too young to earn online. At a point, you may grow beyond employment.”
He went on: “Define your future, challenge yourself, and use it to secure your future. Let all the young people know this. Government cannot employ everybody. So, we created avenues so you people can help yourselves.
“Those with tech companies outside this region should bring the opportunities home. We have tech training programmes to equip the youth. To create sustainability, we decided to create database, Youth Internship Scheme, so we can know their areas of competence. Before now, privileged persons just called up their friends and relations to join the NDDC training. They usually ended up selling the starter packs.
“Now, we know the areas of competence of the youths of the Niger Delta. This is what the new NDDC is doing. We are getting their data, we can know them and after training, we can always trace them. That is the new focus. You must tap into NDDC programmes and activities. The experts are coming here to give you the best of exposure. Listen to them and learn.”
Ogbuku called on the youths of the oil region and Nigeria to channel their energies to areas of use and use tech to advance their careers. “Let us apply it in positive ways so everyone will gain.”
Read also: NDDC begins post-graduate scholarships in Nigerian universities with 400 slots
How Tech Expo changed the narrative:
The Port Harcourt Tech Expo began in 2024 and was deemed a huge success. Organisers said it has revolutionized technology conversations in the Niger Delta.
The event attracted over 10,000 physical and online participants. Over 40 speakers from different parts of Nigeria and outside Nigeria also attended. In addition, the event created job opportunities for over 200 young people of the Niger Delta. It is being supported by the NDDC.
The 2025 edition was said to have taken a different style and shape and assumed and even bigger dimension.
In addition, the 2025 edition featured three different salon events which were designed to energize the ecosystem and create disruptive publicity before the main event.
A report of the 2025 event which held on June 5 and 6 at the EUI Centre, was said to have officially cemented its reputation as one of Africa’s most influential technology gatherings. Under the theme “Emergence”, this year’s edition brought together innovators, thought leaders, startups, and enthusiasts to explore the future of technology, foster strategic partnerships, and ignite transformative conversations.
Organized by TechNexus Limited, with the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as lead sponsor and with strategic support from the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA), Pana Holdings, O.K. Isokariari & Sons, and other industry stakeholders, the 2025 event attracted over 11,000 participants, a testament to its growing influence.
According to the communications director, the Expo delivered keynote speeches, panel discussions, hand-on workshops, and exhibitions focused on cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, robotics, and cybersecurity.
Apart from Ogbuku of NDDC, other notable speakers included Felix Omatsola, Executive Secretary of NCDMB (represented by Nyoki Ita), who emphasized, “Nigeria’s tech ecosystem must prioritize homegrown solutions to drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness.”
Daere Akobo, Group CEO of Pana Holdings, captivated audiences with a keynote on Digital Sovereignty, stating, “God is the cloud—and we just tap from it.”
Daks George Kelly, Director General of Boarder Communities Development Agency (BCDA), shared strategic insights on adopting a Blue Ocean Strategy (new fields and new opportunities) to create uncontested market spaces for tech entrepreneurs.
Alex Onyia, CEO of Educare, championed youth-led innovation, asserting, “Africa’s tech future is bright. The next generation of innovators must seize opportunities and build transformative solutions.”
Other notable speakers included Chukwuma Okpaka (Microsoft Africa), Paul Jemitola, Sibe Tombari Luther Lawoyin, Charlotte Essiet, and Ronald Ajiboye.
The Expo featured Startups, emerging ventures that presented pioneering solutions, catching the attention of potential investors and industry stakeholders.
During the panel discussions, experts explored Africa’s digital economy, championing sustainable innovation and policy integration across various disciplines.
There were also workshop and masterclasses, student engagement featuring 12 schools, cultural integration, green carpet experience (a media hub for networking), Game Zone/Immersive Experiences, After-party Extravaganza, etc.
Over 400 volunteers were said to be trained ahead of what many regarded as the biggest tech event in the Niger Delta, one of the biggest in Nigeria.
During panel discussions, experts explored Africa’s digital economy, championing sustainable innovation and policy integration across various disciplines.
During workshops and masterclasses, participants benefited from hands-on training in fintech, automation, corporate structuring, IP law, fundraising, and job market readiness (led by Genesys and Ifedi Ralph Eze)—plus a standout session on personal branding in tech.
Student engagement saw a major highlight being the participation of 120 students from 12 secondary schools across Port Harcourt, including Charles Dale Memorial International School, Bereton Montessori, The Grove School, Archdeacon Brown Education Centre, Christ Toby International, Teko Education Centre, FGGC Abuloma, and others. Their presence emphasized the Expo’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Cultural integration captured attention with traditional displays, live performances, and storytelling celebrated Nigeria’s rich heritage, creating a unique fusion of culture and technology.
There was green carpet experience featuring media hub for networking, influencer interactions, and tech interviews.
There was Game Zone & Immersive Experiences where attendees explored VR, AI-powered gaming, and other interactive tech installations.
Each day ended on a high note with exhilarating performances by Ajebo Hustlers, electrifying the crowd with Afrobeat and street-hop vibes.
The journey to the Expo was ignited through high-impact pre-event activities. There was ‘Food for Thought’ Founders Meet-Up which was a curated gathering at Asia Town, Port Harcourt, that was believed to have fostered dialogue and connection among tech founders.
The pre-event VIP dinner featured an exclusive evening at J’s Signature Hotel that brought together industry leaders and keynote speakers for meaningful engagement ahead of the Expo.
The Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2025 was said to have reaffirmed the city’s position as a fast-rising innovation hub in Africa. More than an event, it was a movement, uniting policy shapers, teenage coders, investors, artists, and tech visionaries under one roof to shape Africa’s digital future.
Addressing newsmen at the end of the event, Aninwe (communications director), declared that the Port Harcourt Tech Expo 2025 reaffirmed the city’s position as a fast-rising innovation hub in Africa. “More than an event, it was a movement; uniting policy shapers, teenage coders, investors, artists, and tech visionaries under one roof to shape Africa’s digital future.
TechNexus group extended heartfelt appreciation to all partners, sponsors, speakers, and attendees who contributed to the Expo’s phenomenal success.
