AI in Nigeria, the nation’s leading advocacy and development platform for artificial intelligence (AI), has announced the third edition of its flagship annual conference, InnovateAI Lagos 2026, scheduled for Lagos next year.
Themed “Responsible AI Beyond Innovation”, InnovateAI 2026 is expected to mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s technology evolution by advancing discussions on the ethical, security, and governance frameworks needed for sustainable AI adoption across Africa.
InnovateAI Lagos 2026: Building on earlier successes
The announcement builds on the momentum from the first two editions of InnovateAI, which have quickly positioned the forum as one of Africa’s most influential platforms for shaping AI policy and practice.
- InnovateAI 2024 – “Adapting AI for Nigeria”: The inaugural edition drew over 4,000 physical attendees, including innovators, academics, researchers, and policymakers. It served as a catalyst for policy dialogue and introduced AI adoption into Nigeria’s national development conversation.
- InnovateAI 2025 – “Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria”: The second edition expanded to over 6,000 in-person participants, with live-streaming to 12 AI in Nigeria hubs across the six geopolitical zones. The conference tackled systemic barriers—talent shortages, limited data access, and infrastructure gaps—that constrain AI’s growth in the country.
With InnovateAI 2026, organisers say the focus is shifting from adoption to establishing principles for trustworthy, inclusive, and responsible AI.
What to expect in 2026
The Lagos conference will convene policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and citizens for debates and knowledge exchange on critical issues shaping the continent’s AI trajectory.
Sessions will cover:
- AI Governance in Africa – Laying down frameworks for trust and accountability.
- Deepfakes, Fraud & Security Risks – Protecting Nigeria’s digital society.
- AI & Financial Services – Securing transactions and building public trust.
- Digital Literacy for All – Equipping citizens with knowledge to thrive in the AI era.
- Responsible AI Innovation – Supporting startups while balancing safety and growth.
“Innovation without trust and governance risks leaving people behind. InnovateAI 2026 is a platform to ensure Africa defines its own AI future—anchored on ethics, inclusivity, and safety,” Ehia Erhaboh, Co-Convener of AI in Nigeria, said.
“Innovation without trust and governance risks leaving people behind. InnovateAI 2026 is a platform to ensure Africa defines its own AI future—anchored on ethics, inclusivity, and safety,” Ehia Erhaboh, Co-Convener of AI in Nigeria, said.
His fellow Co-Convener, Dotun Adeoye, added: “This is not just a conference, it’s a catalyst for shaping Africa’s digital future. Our partners’ support is vital to building a more equitable, secure, and prosperous AI ecosystem for Nigeria and beyond.”
Nigeria in the global Responsible AI conversation
Nigeria’s move to centre responsible AI mirrors ongoing global debates. In Europe, the EU AI Act is setting the world’s first comprehensive legal framework for AI, while UNESCO’s AI Ethics Guidelines have been adopted by over 190 countries, providing a blueprint for safeguarding human rights in AI deployment. The AI for Good Global Summit, spearheaded by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), continues to spotlight how AI can drive sustainable development while mitigating risks.
By aligning its national AI conversation with these international frameworks, InnovateAI 2026 positions Nigeria as a thought leader in shaping Africa’s voice in the global AI governance discourse.
Call for partnerships
AI in Nigeria is inviting organisations to partner or sponsor InnovateAI 2026, presenting what it describes as a rare opportunity to shape Africa’s responsible AI movement. Stakeholders can position themselves at the forefront of AI governance, digital literacy, and innovation while engaging directly with key policymakers, investors, and technology leaders.
According to the event organisers, organisations hoping to collaborate for sponsorships and partnerships can reach AI in Nigeria through email: partnership@aiinnigeria.com.
About AI in Nigeria
AI in Nigeria is a collective of tech leaders and advocates working to localise and scale artificial intelligence across Nigeria. Its mission is to advance adoption, influence smart AI policies, and develop solutions for diverse sectors while promoting responsible development.
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