AOT Lagos 7.0 Ignites The Future, As Global Tech Leaders And Policymakers Drive Lagos’ Tech-Enabled Transformation

The seventh edition of the Art of Technology Lagos (AOT Lagos 7.0) convened key stakeholders across the tech ecosystem: policymakers, founders, investors, researchers, government representatives, venture capitalists, startups, and innovators on Thursday at the Landmark Event Centre, Lagos, for a landmark gathering focused exploring the transformative potential of emerging technologies that supports the city’s evolution into a technological hub in Africa.

Themed “Future Technologies & a Sustainable Lagos,” the conference reinforced AOT’s growing reputation as Lagos’ most influential platform for shaping policy-driven innovation, digital transformation, and long-term economic resilience.

Participants engaged in forward-looking discussions on artificial intelligence, smart infrastructure, digital governance, climate technologies, and inclusive innovation.

Delivering the keynote address, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, reiterated the state’s commitment to building a safer, smarter, and greener megacity powered by technology, strong public-private collaboration, and sustainable infrastructure.

He disclosed that over the last five years, the state has deployed more than 2,500 kilometres of fibre-optic infrastructure, strengthened smart traffic systems, and expanded digital public services to improve safety, efficiency, and service delivery.

According to him, more than one million residents have already benefited from improved connectivity.

Dr. Hamzat also revealed that through the Lagos State Science, Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC), nearly ₦2 billion has been invested in over 75 startups and research initiatives across fintech, agritech, healthtech, edtech, construction tech, and climate innovation.

He announced that the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Bill will institutionalize innovation as a driver of economic growth, protect intellectual property, deepen access to funding, and strengthen collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

The establishment of Nigeria’s first sub-national Cybersecurity Council, he added, demonstrates the state’s readiness for an AI- and IoT-powered future.

“Lagos is your laboratory, your launchpad into Africa and the world. This administration remains committed to the investments and reforms necessary to keep Lagos at the forefront of global innovation,” the Deputy Governor stated.

Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, highlighted the exponential rise of Lagos as Africa’s leading tech ecosystem.

He revealed that Lagos-based startups attracted over $6 billion in funding between 2019 and 2024, accounting for nearly 80 percent of Nigeria’s 2,000 active startups.

He further announced the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Deal, a landmark framework designed to institutionalize collaboration among government, universities, and the private sector, accelerate AI adoption, enhance data protection, and position Lagos as a global technology hub.

Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Founder of Eko Innovation Centre, emphasized that cities competing in the global economy must harness technology to remain resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

“Cities generate 80 percent of global GDP while accounting for 75 percent of global carbon emissions. This reality makes the integration of future technologies not optional but essential for survival,” he said.

This year’s edition attracted an impressive lineup of global and regional thought leaders, including Sara Sabry, CEO of Deep Space Initiative and the first Egyptian and African Arab woman in space; Dr. Abba Aliyu, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency; Seyi Akindeinde, Founder of Hyperspace Technologies Ltd, Lars Christer Johannisson, Chief Executive Officer, Rack Centre; Dr. Krishnan Ranganath, Regional Executive, African data Center; Tomi Davies, Collaboration in Chief, TVC Labs, Kola Masha, Founder, Babban Gona; Prof. Olumuyiwa Odusanya, Chairman, Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council; Engr. (Mrs.) Ibilola Kasunmu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State, among many others.

The conference featured high-level keynotes, panel sessions, exhibitions, and networking engagements, creating a powerful policy–innovation interface around inclusive development and sustainable economic growth.

Tech Ecosystem Awards 2025 Celebrate Nigeria’s Innovation Trailblazers

A major highlight of AOT Lagos 7.0 was the 4th Edition of the Tech Ecosystem Awards, held at 6:30 PM, celebrating individuals, startups, and organizations revolutionizing Nigeria’s technology landscape through creativity, sustainability, and innovation.

The ceremony drew a distinguished audience of industry leaders and government stakeholders, with the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, in attendance.

The event officially opened with a welcome address by Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, who reiterated AOT’s commitment to recognizing excellence at the intersection of technology, business, and social impact.

2025 Tech Ecosystem Award Winners

• 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 awards reaffirmed AOT Lagos’s role in spotlighting innovation that drives economic transformation, sustainability, and inclusive growth across Nigeria.

Art of Technology Lagos is an annual flagship platform that brings together government, industry, startups, investors, and global partners to shape the future of innovation, policy, and sustainable development in Lagos and beyond.