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 premier technology forum focused on exploring the transformative potential of emerging technologies that support the city’s evolution into a leading technological hub in Africa.
With the theme “Future Technologies & a Sustainable Lagos,” the conference once again served as a powerful convergence point for Nigeria’s innovation community to examine the intersection of artificial intelligence, sustainability, smart infrastructure, digital transformation, and economic inclusion.
In his welcome address, Dr. Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Founder of Eko Innovation Centre and curator of Art of Technology Lagos, stressed that cities must adopt future-forward technologies to stay resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive. He noted that cities produce 80% of global GDP yet account for 75% of carbon emissions, making technological integration essential for survival.
Delivering the keynote, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a safer, smarter, and greener megacity through technology, strong public-private partnerships, and sustainable infrastructure. He highlighted key achievements, including the deployment of 2,500km of fibre-optic cables, smart traffic upgrades, expanded digital public services, and improved connectivity for over one million residents. He also disclosed that LASRIC has invested nearly ₦2 billion in more than 75 startups across multiple sectors. Dr. Hamzat announced the forthcoming Lagos Innovation Bill, which will strengthen IP protection, funding access, and cross-sector collaboration, alongside the creation of Nigeria’s first sub-national Cybersecurity Council.
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, also noted Lagos’ rise as Africa’s top tech ecosystem, attracting over $6 billion in startup funding between 2019 and 2024—representing nearly 80% of Nigeria’s 2,000 active startups. He further revealed the upcoming Lagos Innovation Deal, a major framework that will deepen collaboration among government, academia, and industry while accelerating AI adoption, strengthening data protection, and positioning Lagos as a global technology hub.
AOT Lagos 7.0 featured a rich blend of keynote talks, panel sessions, and high-level networking, with discussions spanning artificial intelligence, clean energy, smart mobility, cybersecurity, climate innovation, digital public infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
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.
As part of the conference, the 4th Edition of the Tech Ecosystem Awards took center stage, celebrating trailblazers revolutionizing Nigeria’s technology landscape through innovation, impact, and excellence. The award ceremony commenced at 6:30 PM with a distinguished audience of industry leaders, policymakers, founders, and investors.
The ceremony was opened by Dr. Victor Afolabi, who described the awards as a platform to celebrate bold ideas and visionary leadership. The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Olatunbosun Alake, also delivered a goodwill address, commending the awards for strengthening Nigeria’s innovation culture and global competitiveness.
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’ 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.