Themed “Future Technologies & a Sustainable Lagos,” the conference reinforced AOT’s growing reputation as Lagos’ most influential platform for shaping policy-driven innovation, digital transformation, and long-term economic resilience.

Participants engaged in forward-looking discussions on artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, digital governance, climate technologies, and inclusive innovation.

In his welcome address, Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Founder of Eko Innovation Centre and curator of Art of Technology Lagos, stressed that cities must adopt future-forward technologies to stay resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive.

He noted that cities produce 80% of global GDP yet account for 75% of carbon emissions, making technological integration essential for survival.

Delivering the keynote, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a safer, smarter, and greener megacity through technology, strong public-private partnerships, and sustainable infrastructure.

He highlighted key achievements, including the deployment of 2,500km of fibre-optic cables, smart traffic upgrades, expanded digital public services, and improved connectivity for over one million residents.

He also disclosed that LASRIC has invested nearly ₦2 billion in more than 75 startups across multiple sectors.

Dr. Hamzat announced the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Bill, which will strengthen IP protection, funding access, and cross-sector collaboration, alongside the creation of Nigeria’s first sub-national Cybersecurity Council.

Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, also noted Lagos’ rise as Africa’s top tech ecosystem, attracting over $6 billion in startup funding between 2019 and 2024, representing nearly 80% of Nigeria’s 2,000 active startups. He further revealed the upcoming Lagos Innovation Deal, a major framework that will deepen collaboration among government, academia, and industry while accelerating AI adoption, strengthening data protection, and positioning Lagos as a global technology hub.

This year’s edition attracted an impressive lineup of global and regional thought leaders, including Sara Sabry, CEO of Deep Space Initiative and the first Egyptian and African Arab woman in space; Dr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency; Seyi Akindeinde, Founder of Hyperspace Technologies Ltd, Lars Christer Johannisson, Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre; Dr. Krishnan Ranganath, Regional Executive, African data Center; Tomi Davies, Collaboration in Chief, TVC Labs, Kola Masha, Founder, Babban Gona; Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, Chairman, Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council; Engr. (Mrs.) Ibilola Kasunmu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State among many others.

The conference featured high-level keynotes, panel sessions, exhibitions, and networking engagements, creating a powerful policy–innovation interface around inclusive development and sustainable economic growth.

Tech Ecosystem Awards 2025 Celebrate Nigeria’s Innovation Trailblazers

A major highlight of AOT Lagos 7.0 was the 4th Edition of the Tech Ecosystem Awards, held at 6:30 PM, celebrating individuals, startups, and organizations revolutionizing Nigeria’s technology landscape through creativity, sustainability, and innovation.

The ceremony drew a distinguished audience of industry leaders and government stakeholders, with Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, in attendance. The event officially opened with a welcome address by Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, who reiterated AOT’s commitment to recognizing excellence at the intersection of technology, business, and social impact.

2025 Tech Ecosystem Award Winners

• Women in Tech Award – Ada Nduka Oyom
• Technology Personality of the Year – Odunayo Eweniyi
• Tech Journalist of the Year – Frank Eleanya
• Sustainable Mobility Award – Maxdrive.ai
• Startup of the Year – Chowdeck
• Social Innovation Award – BudgIT
• Social Transformation Leadership Award – inDrive
• Local Investor of the Year – Oui Capital
• Inclusive Tech Award – Mamamoni
• FoodTech Startup of the Year – Foodstuff Store
• CleanTech Innovation Award – Creeds Energy
• Best Customer Service Startup Award – Bumpa
• AI & Robotics Excellence Award – CDIAL AI

The awards reaffirmed AOT Lagos’ role in spotlighting innovation that drives economic transformation, sustainability, and inclusive growth across Nigeria.

Art of Technology Lagos is an annual flagship platform that brings together government, industry, startups, investors, and global partners to shape the future of innovation, policy, and sustainable development in Lagos and beyond.

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