The 2026 conference will be a defining moment in the country’s technological evolution, with the theme: “Responsible AI beyond Innovation.”

Building on the successes of its previous editions, InnovateAI 2026 is poised to shape the national conversation on the critical issues of ethics, security, and governance in artificial intelligence.

The inaugural InnovateAI 2024, themed “Adapting AI for Nigeria,” successfully catalysed policy discussions and attracted over 4,000 physical attendees, including AI Innovators, Academia, Researchers and Policy Makers engaging in public and private sector discourse on AI.

The recently concluded 2025 conference, themed “Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria,” expanded the event’s reach to over 6,000 physical participants, with live-streaming to twelve AI in Nigeria’s community hubs in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

The conference addressed systemic challenges to scaling AI – talent, data, and compute infrastructure.

The 2026 edition represents a crucial strategic evolution. As AI becomes more deeply integrated into daily life, this conference will shift its focus from adoption to a deep dive into the foundational principles necessary for sustainable and trustworthy growth.

In addition to showcasing responsible AI innovations across industries, the conference will feature a series of focused sessions to explore these vital topics:

• AI Governance in Africa: Establishing a framework for a trusted future.
• Deepfakes, Fraud & Security Risks: Protecting Nigeria’s Digital Society from Emerging Threats.
• AI & Financial Services: Building trust in the fight against fraud and ensuring secure transactions.
• Digital Literacy for All: Preparing citizens for the age of AI through education and empowerment.
• Responsible AI Innovation: Balancing safety and growth to support Africa’s burgeoning startup scene.

“AI is reshaping industries, economies, and societies at an unprecedented pace, but innovation without trust and governance risks leaving people behind. InnovateAI 2026 is a platform to ensure Africa defines its own AI future, one where ethics, inclusivity, and safety guide progress,” said Ehia Erhaboh, Co-Convener, AI in Nigeria.

InnovateAI 2026 is poised to bring together policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, and the public to forge a path forward that ensures AI serves as a force for good, fostering inclusive opportunities, improving healthcare, and enabling smarter governance.

Organizations looking to shape Africa’s AI future are invited to become a partner or sponsor for InnovateAI 2026.

This is a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership in the responsible AI movement, gain targeted visibility among key stakeholders, industry leaders, policymakers, innovators, and investors – positioning themselves at the forefront of Africa’s responsible AI movement. Your support will directly contribute to a vital national dialogue on AI governance and digital literacy, helping to create a safer, more inclusive, and prosperous future for Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

“This is not just a conference, it’s a catalyst for shaping Africa’s digital future,” said Dotun Adeoye, Co-Convener, AI in Nigeria.

“Our partners’ support is essential in building a more equitable, secure, and prosperous AI ecosystem for Nigeria and beyond.”

About AI in Nigeria: AI in Nigeria is a collective of visionary leaders and tech enthusiasts dedicated to propelling Nigeria to the forefront of the global AI revolution. Its mission is to lead the localisation and scaling of AI across Nigeria by collaborating with stakeholders and global partners to craft solutions for diverse sectors, while advocating for smart AI policies and responsible development. 

For details, email – partnership@aiinnigeria.com

InnovateAI Lagos 2025, scheduled to hold at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos, will be promoting the theme that builds upon the success of the inaugural edition, according to AI in Nigeria, a collective of visionary leaders and tech enthusiasts dedicated to propelling Nigeria to the forefront of the global AI revolution.

Dotun Adeoye, the Co-convener, comments:

“InnovateAI Lagos 2024 was a stepping stone. For 2025, we are taking it further—examining how AI can drive inclusive growth, solve economic challenges, and catalyse innovation across Nigeria.”

According to him,

“The inaugural InnovateAI conference in 2024 was a defining moment, bringing together over 4,000 attendees from across Nigeria and beyond. It ignited collaborations, inspired innovation, and influenced policies, businesses, and community initiatives that have driven measurable progress.”

As momentum builds up towards InnovateAI Lagos 2025, AI in Nigeria said that this year’s event is set to be even more impactful as attention will focus on promoting AI solutions to addressing pressing challenges including unemployment, infrastructure gaps, and financial inclusion to foster sustainable growth across key sectors of the Nigerian economy.

According to Adeoye, InnovateAI Lagos 2025 is to attract over 6,000 attendees with a dynamic mix of live participation at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, and simultaneous livestreaming to 12 AI-in-Nigeria Community Hubs that have been inaugurated over the course of the last year across all six geopolitical zones in the country.

Ehia Erhaboh, co-convener, adds:

“This is not just a conference; it is a movement. We are building on last year’s successes to deliver actionable outcomes that shape Nigeria’s future.”

Erhaboh said that the second edition of the flagship AI conference promises to delve into transformative AI innovations and their potential to solve Nigeria’s pressing challenges.

“The conference’s theme, ‘Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria: Catalysing Cross-Sectoral Innovation and Fostering Inclusive Growth,’ seeks to position Nigeria as a global hub for AI by unlocking its vast potential in diverse sectors,” he said. “The country’s unique combination of human capital, natural resources, and budding infrastructure presents an opportunity to lead in AI development and adoption.”

InnovateAI Lagos 2025: Key Thematic Track Spotlights AI and the Future of Work

As part of this year’s programme, InnovateAI Lagos 2025 will host a focused session on “AI and the Future of Work”, featuring a high-powered panel of leading HR directors from diverse industries.

This session will explore how AI is reshaping the skill sets and competencies required in the workplace, influencing recruitment trends, and redefining roles across sectors.

Participating companies will host booths at the conference to further support this vision for capacity development, providing a unique opportunity for skilled professionals to engage directly with employers seeking AI talent.

This initiative bridges the gap between AI skill development and real-world applications, demonstrating Nigeria’s readiness to harness its human resources for global competitiveness.

InnovateAI Lagos 2025: Participants can anticipate: 

• Dynamic Discussions: Gain actionable insights from industry leaders, tech innovators, and policymakers on how AI is transforming sectors and driving inclusive economic
• Workshops & Skills Building: Join hands-on sessions tailored to equip participants with cutting-edge AI skills to address Nigeria’s unique challenges.
• AI and the Future of Work: Explore how AI shapes workplace demands and creates opportunities for Nigeria to become an AI talent
• Networking Opportunities: Forge meaningful connections with innovators, investors, and decision-makers shaping Nigeria’s AI landscape.
• Showcasing Innovation: Discover AI-powered solutions designed to tackle real-world problems in Nigeria, from agriculture and healthcare to education and finance.

InnovateAI Lagos 2025: Profiles of Speakers

The 2025 conference will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, each offering unique insights into Nigeria’s AI ecosystem.

This year’s discussions will focus on building the infrastructure needed for sustainable AI growth. Speakers will include leaders from companies making significant investments in data centres, as well as executives from a global social media platform, sharing strategies for scaling AI to drive digital transformation and community engagement.

Additionally, a representative from a Nigerian new-generation bank will explore how AI is revolutionising financial services and fostering financial inclusion.

An agricultural technology innovator will showcase AI solutions to enhance food security, while a globally renowned AI researcher will provide in-depth insights into ethical AI and localised applications tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges.

The conference will also feature HR experts who will discuss the impact of AI on the future of work, focusing on reskilling the workforce and building AI-driven talent pipelines to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving job market.

Policy experts will explore frameworks for ethical governance, while thought leaders will address how Nigeria can develop a competitive AI talent pool.

By bringing together experts on infrastructure, innovation, workforce development, and governance, the conference will position Nigeria as a leader in building a thriving AI ecosystem.

InnovateAI Lagos 2025: What is The Big Picture?

AI in Nigeria continues to drive impactful initiatives that position Nigeria as a leader in AI innovation. Since the inaugural conference, AI in Nigeria has focused on:

• Capacity Building: Training young Nigerians in AI, empowering them with skills to create impactful solutions.
• Showcasing AI Startups: Highlighting the work of 54 AI-driven startups across sectors such as agriculture, automation, content creation, financial services, fraud detection, cybersecurity, healthcare, and logistics.
• Research: Publishing the AI Landscape in Nigeria Report (2024), an in-depth analysis

spotlighting opportunities, challenges, and growth areas in Nigeria’s AI ecosystem.

• Private Sector Achievements: Collaborating with leading firms to implement practical AI solutions addressing critical needs in various industries.

Why Attend InnovateAI Lagos 2025?

Whether you are a tech enthusiast, business leader, HR Manager, policy advocate, or simply curious about AI’s transformative power, InnovateAI Lagos 2025 is where you’ll find inspiration, collaboration, and solutions.

Attendance at InnovateAI Lagos 2025 is free, but registration is mandatory to secure your spot at this transformative event.

Register using the link: events.aiinnigeria.com