Art of Technology Lagos 8.0 will bring technology leaders, government officials, entrepreneurs and industry experts to Lagos on December 3, 2026, for discussions on artificial intelligence, digital governance and the responsible use of emerging technologies.
The eighth edition of the conference, organised by Eko Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, will take place at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.
This year’s event comes as artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure and data-driven services become increasingly important to economic development across Africa. While governments and businesses continue to invest in new technologies, questions about regulation, accountability, transparency and public trust are becoming central to the continent’s digital transformation efforts.
The conference will address these issues under the theme “Beyond Smart Cities: Tech Adoption x Ethics x Governance”. The theme reflects a shift in the technology debate, from simply introducing digital solutions to examining how they are managed, who benefits from them and what safeguards are needed to protect the public.
Since its launch, Art of Technology Lagos has grown into a major technology gathering in Nigeria. According to the organisers, its previous seven editions have attracted more than 125,000 participants, featured 340 speakers and delivered 262 keynote sessions. The event has also recorded over 15 million engagements across 145 countries.
Its work has extended beyond annual conferences, with the organisers highlighting contributions to initiatives such as the Lagos Innovation Master Plan, Startup Lagos, the Talent Acceleration Masterplan and the Lagos Digital Service Portal, including its second version with chatbot integration.
Among the initiatives highlighted by the organisers is the Lagos Digital Service Portal 2.0, which includes chatbot integration. These projects reflect the conference’s wider ambition to connect technology discussions with practical changes in public services, entrepreneurship and skills development.
The 2026 edition will feature several prominent figures from Nigeria’s technology and public policy sectors. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Sade Dada, Meta’s Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa; and Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). Olatubosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, is also expected to participate.
Their discussions will cover responsible artificial intelligence adoption, digital governance, smart infrastructure, the future of work, digital inclusion and sustainable innovation.
Victor Afolabi, founder of Eko Innovation Centre, said the conference was designed to encourage responsible technology adoption and stronger cooperation between government and the private sector.
“Technology is changing faster than ever before, but sustainable progress depends on more than innovation alone. It requires responsible adoption, effective governance, and meaningful collaboration across the public and private sectors,” Afolabi said.
The programme will include keynote presentations, policy discussions, ministerial roundtables, technology exhibitions, startup showcases and investment engagements. Eight thematic areas will guide the discussions, covering artificial intelligence and ethics, smart infrastructure, financial technology regulation, workforce development, digital identity, cybersecurity, climate technology, civic technology and startup investment.
One of the central issues will be how African governments can establish effective policies for technologies that are developing faster than many existing regulatory systems. Questions surrounding digital identity, personal data, cybersecurity and access to digital services are also expected to feature prominently.
The conference will also host the fifth AOT Ecosystem Awards, which will recognise startups, ecosystem builders, policymakers and organisations contributing to innovation and digital development in Nigeria and across Africa.
Through its eighth edition, AOT Lagos aims to strengthen cooperation between public institutions and private businesses, encourage investment and develop policy recommendations for technology adoption. The organisers say the event will continue to provide a platform for discussions and partnerships focused on Africa’s digital development.
Registration and further information about the conference are available through the official website, www.aotlagos.com.
