The Art of Technology Lagos (AOT Lagos) will return for its eighth edition on December 3, 2026, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), digital governance and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
The conference, organised by Eko Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, will hold at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Themed “Beyond Smart Cities: Tech Adoption × Ethics × Governance,” this year’s edition will examine how governments and businesses can balance technological innovation with transparency, accountability, inclusion and public trust as AI and digital infrastructure reshape economies and public services.
According to the organisers, AOT Lagos has attracted more than 125,000 participants, featured 340 speakers and delivered 262 keynote sessions across its seven previous editions. The platform has also generated over 15 million engagements across 145 countries.
Beyond its annual conference, the organisers said the initiative has contributed to policy and technology development in Lagos State, including the Lagos Innovation Master Plan, Startup Lagos, the Talent Acceleration Masterplan and the Lagos Digital Service Portal.
AI governance, digital identity and the future of work take centre stage at AOT Lagos
AOT Lagos 8.0 is expected to bring together technology executives, policymakers, entrepreneurs and international industry experts to discuss the implications of emerging technologies for businesses, governments and society.
Among the confirmed speakers are Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy for Anglophone West Africa at Meta; Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC); and Olatubosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology.
Their participation will contribute to discussions on responsible AI adoption, digital governance, smart infrastructure, the future of work, digital inclusion and sustainable innovation.
Read more: AOT Lagos 7.0 Advances Strategic Innovation as Stakeholders Drive Lagos’ Tech-Enabled Transformation
Speaking ahead of the conference, Victor Afolabi, Founder of Eko Innovation Centre, said technological progress required more than innovation, stressing the importance of responsible adoption, effective governance and collaboration between the public and private sectors.
“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,” he said.
Afolabi added that the conference would provide a platform for conversations, partnerships and ideas to help shape Africa’s digital future.
Eight thematic tracks and ecosystem awards
The conference will feature executive keynotes, policy dialogues, ministerial roundtables, technology exhibitions, startup showcases, investment engagements and discussions across eight thematic tracks.
These include AI, Ethics and Governance; Smart Infrastructure and Urban Innovation; Fintech, Regulation and Digital Economy; Future of Work and Talent Transformation; Digital Identity, Data and Cybersecurity; ClimateTech and Sustainable Cities; Civic Technology and Digital Inclusion; and Startup Innovation and Investment.
The event will also host the fifth edition of the AOT Ecosystem Awards, which will recognise startups, ecosystem builders, policymakers and organisations contributing to innovation and digital transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.
The organisers said the conference aims to strengthen public-private collaboration, encourage investment, inspire innovative solutions and generate policy recommendations to support responsible technology adoption and sustainable digital transformation across the continent.
Registration and further information about the event are available at aotlagos.com.
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