Global and local technology leaders, policymakers, investors, founders, researchers, and innovators have converge for the seventh edition of the Art of Technology Lagos, AOT Lagos 7.0.
With the theme “Future Technologies & a Sustainable Lagos,” this year’s edition reinforced AOT’s reputation as Lagos’ foremost platform for policy-driven innovation, digital transformation, and long-term economic sustainability.
The conference spotlighted emerging technologies, including AI, smart infrastructure, climate tech, and digital governance, as catalysts for the city’s evolution into Africa’s premier technology hub.
Delivering the keynote address, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, said the state remains committed to building a safer, smarter, and greener megacity anchored on technology and strong public–private collaborations.
He disclosed that over the past five years, Lagos has deployed more than 2,500 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure, strengthened smart traffic systems, and expanded digital public services, improvements that have enhanced safety and efficiency for over one million residents.
Dr. Hamzat also announced that the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) has invested nearly ₦2 billion in more than 75 startups and research projects across key sectors including fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, construction tech, and climate innovation.
He added that the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Bill will institutionalise innovation as a key economic driver, protect intellectual property, expand access to funding, and deepen collaboration across government, academia, and industry.
He also confirmed that Lagos has established Nigeria’s first sub-national Cybersecurity Council, positioning the state for an AI- and IoT-powered future.
“Lagos is your laboratory and your launchpad into Africa and the world. We remain committed to reforms and investments that keep Lagos at the forefront of global innovation,” Hamzat said.
Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, highlighted Lagos’ exponential rise as Africa’s largest and most vibrant startup ecosystem.
He revealed that Lagos-based companies attracted more than $6 billion in funding between 2019 and 2024, accounting for nearly 80 percent of Nigeria’s 2,000 active startups.
Alake also announced the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Deal, a new framework designed to accelerate AI adoption, strengthen data protection, and institutionalise collaboration between government, the private sector, and academic institutions.
Founder of the Eko Innovation Centre, Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, said the world’s leading cities must leverage future technologies to remain resilient, sustainable, and competitive.
“Cities generate 80 percent of global GDP, yet contribute 75 percent of global carbon emissions. Integrating future technologies is not optional, it is essential,” he stated.
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