Nigeria Innovation Summit 2026 to Bring Africa’s Innovation Community to Lagos
With just days to go, preparations are under way for the 11th Nigeria Innovation Summit (NIS), where innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, technology leaders, researchers, business executives and development stakeholders will gather in Lagos to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies can support development across Africa.
Themed “Innovating in the Age of AI,” the summit will take place on Tuesday, 6 October 2026, at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Lagos. The event begins at 9 a.m. and will offer both in-person and virtual participation.
Discussions will focus on the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and other emerging technologies. A panel titled “AI for Africa: Transforming Education, Agriculture & Healthcare at Scale” will consider how AI could help address development challenges and improve access to services, knowledge and opportunities.
Another session, “Building Trusted AI for Africa: Policy, Regulation, Data Governance, & Investment for the Future,” will examine the frameworks, safeguards, investment and partnerships needed to support the responsible development and use of AI across the continent.
The programme will also explore AI’s implications for business transformation, entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure, innovation policy, research commercialisation, inclusion and the future of work.
Speakers listed for the summit include 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.
Also scheduled to speak are 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, alongside other voices from Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
The programme will feature presentations by thought leaders and industry experts, Nigeria Innovation Experience Talks (NiX Talks), exhibitions, product demonstrations and innovation showcases. Networking sessions will connect entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, businesses and other stakeholders. Selected delegates will also have the opportunity to take part in Innovation Tours.
The summit will conclude with the 2026 Nigeria Innovation Awards, which recognise individuals, organisations and initiatives contributing to Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. The awards will bring together business leaders, innovators, government representatives, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to celebrate contributions to technology, enterprise and development in Nigeria.
Tony Ajah, Programme Director of the Nigeria Innovation Summit, said the 2026 event comes at a significant time as AI increasingly reshapes industries, businesses and societies.
“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 added: “As a nation blessed with a youthful population, entrepreneurial spirit, and abundant talent, Nigeria has an opportunity to become not just a consumer of AI technologies but a creator of solutions that address local challenges and compete globally.”
Attendance is free, but registration is required for in-person participation. The summit will also be available online for participants outside Lagos and Nigeria.
Register now at innovationsummit.ng and be part of the summit that is redefining Africa’s innovation story.
