Kwara State is set to host the maiden edition of Kwara Tech Fest 2026, a two-day technology, innovation and investment festival designed to position the state as a leading digital economy hub while attracting investors, startups and global technology partnerships.

Scheduled for October 20 and 21, 2026, the festival is being convened by MoiPayWay Technologies Limited and will bring together technology leaders, startup founders, investors, software developers, students, corporate organisations, government institutions, universities, development partners and policymakers from across Nigeria and beyond.

According to the organisers, the festival aims to connect local talent with investment opportunities, strategic partnerships and emerging technology markets while accelerating digital economic growth in Kwara State.

A statement issued by the organisers said the event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, startup pitch competitions, product demonstrations, exhibitions, technical workshops, career fairs, investor engagements, policy dialogues and networking sessions designed to strengthen collaboration across the technology ecosystem.

The festival will focus on key sectors including artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (FinTech), cybersecurity, blockchain, agritech, digital infrastructure, education technology (EdTech), health technology (HealthTech), creative technology, smart city development, financial inclusion and the broader digital economy.

Speaking on the vision behind the initiative, the Chief Executive Officer of MoiPayWay Technologies Limited and Convener of Kwara Tech Fest 2026, Mr Damilola Parkinson, said the event would serve as a gateway for investors, technology companies and development organisations seeking opportunities in Kwara State.

He noted that while Kwara has a growing pool of students, developers, entrepreneurs and young innovators, many still lack access to funding, strategic networks and partnerships needed to scale their ideas into successful 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 access to new markets.

Also speaking, the Chief Technology Officer of MoiPayWay Technologies Limited and Co-Convener, Mr Olajide Bakare, said the event would provide developers, engineers and technology entrepreneurs with opportunities to acquire practical knowledge, exchange ideas and build strategic relationships with industry leaders.

According to him, participants will benefit from technical sessions, live demonstrations and discussions covering infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, financial technology and other emerging technologies required to build globally competitive products.

Bakare added that technology companies attending the festival would gain access to emerging talent, developer communities, educational institutions and implementation partners.

The Programme Relationship Director of Kwara Tech Fest 2026, Engr. AbdulFatai Kolawole Yusuf, FNSE, stressed the importance of collaboration among government agencies, universities, financial institutions, development organisations, diplomatic missions and the private sector in driving innovation and economic growth.

He said participating organisations would have opportunities to sponsor programmes, showcase products, recruit skilled talent, support startups, establish training initiatives and explore investment opportunities 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 technology ecosystem development.

Technology companies, startups, educational institutions, business service providers, government agencies and consumer brands have also been invited to participate as exhibitors, with opportunities to demonstrate products, recruit talent and engage directly with prospective clients and partners.

Registration has equally commenced for early-stage and growth-stage startups seeking to pitch their products and business ideas before investors, corporate organisations and industry experts.

Selected startups will receive opportunities for mentorship, expert feedback, funding, partnerships and increased media visibility.

The organisers expressed confidence that the festival would create lasting economic impact by attracting investments, strengthening innovation networks, creating employment opportunities and promoting technology-driven solutions across critical sectors.