The PBAT Smart Nation Initiative has announced the inaugural edition of its Youth in Tech Festival, scheduled to hold on December 16, 2026, at the Shell Zenith Bank Hall, Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.
The initiative said the one-day event will bring together more than 10,000 software engineers, artificial intelligence innovators, technology startup founders, digital creators and public-sector leaders.
The festival will be held under the theme, “The Making of Nigeria — Africa’s Truly First Smart Nation.”
According to the organisers, the event is designed to connect grassroots technical talent with public-sector digital infrastructure, enterprise investment and smart governance frameworks.
Festival To Focus On AI, Cybersecurity, Fintech
The organisers said discussions and activities will focus on emerging areas including artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, fintech resilience, cybersecurity and smart city governance.
Lead Convener of the PBAT Smart Nation Initiative, Amb. Joshua Omeiza Emmanuel, said youth-led innovation would play a central role in Nigeria’s digital transformation.
He described the festival as an economic accelerator and platform where young technology professionals can connect directly with policymakers, venture capital and opportunities for real-world implementation.
Developers, Investors, Public Sector Leaders Expected
The programme will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, live developer showcases and policy dialogues.
The organisers also listed networking opportunities, institutional investor meetups and talent-matching hubs among activities planned for participants.
Registration for delegates, developer communities and ecosystem stakeholders is expected to open during the week of the announcement through the event portal.
Corporate organisations, technology brands and public-sector institutions interested in partnerships, exhibition spaces or sponsorship opportunities have also been invited to contact the initiative’s secretariat.
The PBAT Smart Nation Initiative said it focuses on smart infrastructure, digital inclusion and youth empowerment, with its activities aimed at supporting Nigeria’s digital industrialisation.
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