LAGOS, NIGERIA — October 2, 2026: Lagos is set to host innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, technology experts, researchers, business leaders and development professionals from across Africa and beyond as the Nigeria Innovation Summit (NIS) prepares to hold its 11th edition.
The 2026 summit, which focuses on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, is themed “Innovating in the Age of AI.” It is scheduled for Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos, with proceedings beginning at 9:00 a.m.
The event will take place in a hybrid format, giving participants the option of attending in person or joining virtually.
Discussions at this year’s summit will centre on how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies can be harnessed to address development challenges and create new opportunities across Africa.
One of the featured sessions, “AI for Africa: Transforming Education, Agriculture & Healthcare at Scale,” will explore the potential applications of AI in key sectors, particularly in improving access to education, healthcare, agricultural solutions and other essential services.
The summit will also host a session titled “Building Trusted AI for Africa: Policy, Regulation, Data Governance, & Investment for the Future.” The discussion will examine the policies, regulations, data systems, investments and partnerships needed to support the safe and responsible growth of AI across the continent.
Other areas expected to come under discussion include the use of technology in business transformation, entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure, innovation policy, research commercialisation, inclusion and the changing nature of work.
The event will bring together government representatives, technology executives, entrepreneurs, researchers, innovators and other influential figures within the global and African technology ecosystem.
Among those listed to speak at the summit are Engr. Rasheed O. Ojulari, Chief Innovation Officer, NNPC Limited, Research, Technology & Innovation; Jara Pascual, CEO, Collabwith; Nelson T. Ajulo, CEO/CTO and Co-Founder, MyHives; Ngozi Aderibigbe, Partner, Gray & Silicon Legal Advisors; Michael Pepper, AI Systems & Personal Branding Strategist; Kevin Eze, Founder, SounDisruptr and African Food Network; Bisola Fasanya, Founder, Atel Q; and Ademola Osindero, Founder, Stackchase Limited.
The speaker line-up also includes Olufunke Olufon, Founder/Principal Consultant, Iwà Consulting; Toyosi Badejo-Okusanya, CEO/Founder, Adaptive Atelier; Bharat Kundra, Programme Specialist, GenU 9JA, UNICEF Nigeria; Dr. Goodluck Nnorom, Strategic Leadership Researcher & Entrepreneur; and Engr. Alex Omaghomi, Group CEO, Zilex Holdings & Hostplace Group.
Other experts and stakeholders from across Africa’s innovation space are also expected to participate in the summit.
According to the organisers, the range of speakers reflects the event’s intention to bring together different sectors and perspectives on how technology and innovation can influence business, government, policy and development.
The programme will feature expert presentations, the Nigeria Innovation Experience Talks (NiX Talks)
exhibitions and product demonstrations, as well as innovation showcases where participating organisations can present their technologies and solutions.
Participants will also have opportunities to connect with entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, businesses and other stakeholders through dedicated networking sessions. Selected delegates will further take part in Innovation Tours, providing exposure to innovative organisations and technology-driven environments.
A major part of the programme will be the 2026 Nigeria Innovation Awards, which will mark the conclusion of the summit. The awards are aimed at recognising individuals, organisations and initiatives making contributions to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The ceremony is expected to bring together entrepreneurs, innovators, business executives, government representatives and other stakeholders to recognise contributions in technology, enterprise and development.
Tony Ajah, Programme Director of the Nigeria Innovation Summit, said the 2026 edition is taking place at a time when artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the way industries, businesses and societies operate.
“This year we will explore how AI and emerging technologies can accelerate national development, transform industries, improve public services, strengthen businesses, and create new opportunities for millions of Africans. AI is not just a tool; it’s a seed. And those who recognize it early, plant it wisely, and harness its surplus will rise.”
Ajah also said Nigeria’s youthful population, entrepreneurial culture and pool of skilled talent could position the country to develop AI solutions rather than merely consume technologies developed elsewhere.
He added that such solutions could address challenges within Nigeria while also serving markets beyond the country.
Participation in the summit is free, although those attending physically are required to register. People outside Lagos and Nigeria can also participate through the virtual platform.
Registration is currently open at innovationsummit.ng for those interested in joining the 2026 Nigeria Innovation Summit.
