Renowned public policy expert, digital transformation specialist, filmmaker and technology projects advisor, Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, has been appointed Co-Chair of the Technical & Programmes Committee for Invest Lagos 3.0, the flagship global investment summit positioned to deepen Lagos State’s standing as Africa’s foremost business, innovation and economic access point.
The summit, themed “Lagos: The Business Gateway into Africa”, is being convened by the Lagos State Government in partnership with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), under the leadership of Samantha Cohen, the chief executive officer, bringing together global investors, policymakers, development finance institutions, sovereign wealth funds, private sector leaders, innovators and strategic partners from across Africa, the Commonwealth, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
Invest Lagos 3.0 is being hosted under the visionary leadership of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with distinguished participation from global business leaders including Lord Marland of Odstock, Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, and Summit Co-Chair, Mr. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings Plc.
The Local Organizing Committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose- Medebem, alongside the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Samuel Egube.
As Co-Chair of the Technical & Programmes Committee, Dr. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji who holds a Master in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School will provide strategic leadership for the summit’s intellectual architecture, programme design, innovation ecosystems engagement, deal rooms set up and work flows, thought leadership curation, stakeholder partnerships and technology-driven policy actionable conversations shaping the future of investment and economic transformation in Lagos and across Africa.
Her appointment signals a strong emphasis on the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, data governance, youth innovation, creative economies, smart infrastructure, and inclusive economic growth as critical drivers of Africa’s next development decade.
Speaking on her appointment, Dr. Akerele-Ogunsiji stated:
“Lagos is not merely a city state, it is one of the most important economic and cultural capitals of the Global South. Invest Lagos 3.0 presents a defining opportunity to position Lagos as Africa’s most compelling destination for investment, innovation, enterprise, technology, infrastructure, talent, and sustainable development.
At a time when artificial intelligence, data systems, digital public infrastructure, renewable energy, climate resilience, creative industries and human capital are redefining global competitiveness, Lagos must continue to lead the conversation on how African cities can become globally connected engines of prosperity, inclusion and innovation.”
She further emphasized the importance of data intelligence and strategic investment coordination in shaping the summit’s outcomes:
“This summit is not just about conversations; it is about execution, measurable impact and long-term economic value creation. Through robust technical programming, strategic policy dialogue, investment intelligence dashboards, and cross-sector collaboration, we are building a platform that aligns capital with opportunity and transforms ideas into scalable results for Lagos, Nigeria and the African continent.”
Dr. Akerele-Ogunsiji brings decades of experience spanning governance, youth development, public policy, innovation ecosystems, digital transformation, education reform, entrepreneurship, media, and international development.
She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rise Networks and Rise Interactive Studios Africa, institutions that have impacted thousands of young Africans through technology, enterprise development, digital skills, civic leadership, and creative innovation.
She also holds a PhD in Defence and Strategic Studies with research focused on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on Nigeria’s National and Economic Security within the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Invest Lagos 3.0 is expected to convene global leaders across finance, infrastructure, technology, trade, energy, manufacturing, mobility, healthcare, education, tourism, real estate, the creative economy, and public policy, further reinforcing Lagos State’s position as Africa’s premier destination for business, innovation, and investment.
