The Art of Technology Lagos (AOT Lagos) is set to return for its eighth edition on December 3, 2026, placing artificial intelligence (AI), digital governance and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies at the centre of its agenda.

Organised by the Eko Innovation Centre in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, the conference will take place at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Held under the theme "Beyond Smart Cities: Tech Adoption × Ethics × Governance," this year's edition will explore 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.

A Track Record of Scale and Policy Impact

According to the organisers, AOT Lagos has drawn more than 125,000 participants, hosted 340 speakers and delivered 262 keynote sessions across its seven previous editions. The platform has also generated over 15 million engagements spanning 145 countries.

Beyond the annual conference, the organisers said the initiative has contributed to policy and technology development in Lagos State, with outputs including the Lagos Innovation Master Plan, Startup Lagos, the Talent Acceleration Masterplan and the Lagos Digital Service Portal.

AOT Lagos 8.0 is expected to convene technology executives, policymakers, entrepreneurs and international industry experts to examine the implications of emerging technologies for businesses, governments and society.

Confirmed Speakers

The lineup includes 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), the federal agency that manages Nigeria's national identity database; and Olatubosun Alake, Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology.

Their participation will feed into discussions on responsible AI adoption, digital governance, smart infrastructure, the future of work, digital inclusion and sustainable innovation. The federal and state representation on the lineup matches the public-private collaboration the organisers say the conference is designed to strengthen.

Speaking ahead of the conference, Victor Afolabi, Founder of the Eko Innovation Centre, said technological progress demands more than innovation alone, underscoring 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 serve as a platform for conversations, partnerships and ideas to help shape Africa's digital future.

Eight Thematic Tracks and Ecosystem Awards

The programme will feature executive keynotes, policy dialogues, ministerial roundtables, technology exhibitions, startup showcases, investment engagements and discussions spanning eight thematic tracks: 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 stage the fifth edition of the AOT Ecosystem Awards, which recognise startups, ecosystem builders, policymakers and organisations driving innovation and digital transformation in Nigeria and across Africa.

According to the organisers, the conference aims to strengthen public-private collaboration, encourage investment, inspire innovative solutions and produce policy recommendations that support responsible technology adoption and sustainable digital transformation across the continent.

Registration and additional information about the event are available at aotlagos.com.