AOT Lagos 7.0 Charts Bold Course for Future Technologies, Sustainable Innovation in Africa’s Largest Tech Hub
The seventh edition of the Art of Technology Lagos Conference (AOT Lagos 7.0) brought together leading voices from across Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem on Thursday at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, with a unified focus on how future technologies can accelerate Lagos’ transformation into a globally competitive smart city.
This year’s conference, themed “Future Technologies & a Sustainable Lagos,” convened policymakers, founders, researchers, investors, academics, venture capitalists, and innovators to explore the emerging technologies shaping urban sustainability, economic inclusion, and digital transformation.
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to building a smarter, greener, and safer megacity through strategic investments in innovation. He disclosed that over 2,500 kilometres of fibre-optic cables have been deployed across the state in the last five years to boost digital connectivity, with more than one million residents already benefiting from improved access.
Through the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), Dr. Hamzat revealed that the government has invested nearly ₦2 billion in startups and research across sectors including fintech, agritech, health tech, and climate innovation. He added that the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Bill will institutionalize innovation, enhance intellectual property protection, expand funding pipelines, and strengthen partnerships between government, academia, and the private sector.
“Lagos is your laboratory, your testbed, and your launchpad into Africa and the world,” he told founders and investors, emphasising the state’s readiness to support forward-thinking ideas that can scale globally.
Dr. Hamzat also highlighted ongoing government initiatives such as the Intelligent Transport System, Safe City Surveillance Network, Cybersecurity Council, and enhanced digital governance platforms, all aimed at boosting public safety, transparency, traffic management, and government efficiency.
Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, in his address, noted Lagos’ dominance as Africa’s leading tech ecosystem, hosting over 80% of Nigeria’s 2,000 active startups. These startups, he said, attracted more than $6 billion in investments between 2019 and 2024, contributing to a tech ecosystem valued at $15.3 billion.
He announced the upcoming Lagos Innovation Deal, a strategic framework that will deepen university–industry collaboration, boost research funding, and accelerate commercialization of homegrown technologies.
Earlier, Founder of Eko Innovation Centre, Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, stressed the urgency for cities to embrace emerging technologies amid rising climate and population pressures. He noted that cities generate nearly 80 percent of global GDP but also account for 75 percent of carbon emissions, making sustainable innovation indispensable.
AOT Lagos 7.0 featured an array of keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions, and networking engagements across themes such as artificial intelligence, clean energy, cybersecurity, smart mobility, climate innovation, digital public infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
The event hosted notable global and regional leaders, including Sara Sabry, CEO of Deep Space Initiative; Dr. Abba Aliyu, MD of the Rural Electrification Agency; Seyi Akindeinde, Founder of Hyperspace Technologies; Lars Christer Johannisson, CEO of Rack Centre; Dr. Krishnan Ranganath, Regional Executive at Africa Data Centres; and other distinguished experts.
A major highlight of the conference was the 4th Edition of the Tech Ecosystem Awards, which celebrated trailblazers driving innovation and impact across Nigeria's tech landscape. The ceremony, which began at 6:30 PM, honoured achievements across multiple categories.
2025 Tech Ecosystem Award Winners include:
- Women in Tech Award – Ada Nduka Oyom
- Technology Personality of the Year – Odunayo Eweniyi
- Tech Journalist of the Year – Frank Eleanya
- Sustainable Mobility Award – Maxdrive.ai
- Startup of the Year – Chowdeck
- Social Innovation Award – BudgIT
- Social Transformation Leadership Award – inDrive
- Local Investor of the Year – Oui Capital
- Inclusive Tech Award – Mamamoni
- FoodTech Startup of the Year – Foodstuff Store
- CleanTech Innovation Award – Creeds Energy
- Best Customer Service Startup Award – Bumpa
- AI & Robotics Excellence Award – CDIAL AI
The Commissioner, Olatunbosun Alake, praised the awards for strengthening Nigeria’s culture of innovation and improving global competitiveness.
As it concluded, AOT Lagos 7.0 reaffirmed Lagos State’s position as Africa’s fastest-rising innovation powerhouse, where technology, policy, talent, and capital converge to drive sustainable development and economic prosperity.
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