AI in Nigeria announces InnovateAI Lagos 2026, themed "Responsible AI Beyond Innovation," focusing on ethical frameworks, governance, and security for sustainable AI adoption across Africa.

InnovateAI Lagos 2026: Nigeria’s Push for Responsible AI Beyond Innovation

AI in Nigeria—the nation’s leading advocacy and development platform for artificial intelligence (AI)—has announced the third edition of its flagship annual conference, InnovateAI Lagos 2026, scheduled for Lagos next year.

Themed “Responsible AI Beyond Innovation,” InnovateAI 2026 is expected to mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s technology evolution by advancing discussions on the ethical, security, and governance frameworks needed for sustainable AI adoption across Africa.

Building on Earlier Successes

The announcement builds on the momentum from the first two editions, which quickly positioned InnovateAI as one of Africa’s most influential platforms for shaping AI policy and practice:

InnovateAI 2024 – “Adapting AI for Nigeria”: The inaugural edition drew over 4,000 physical attendees, serving as a catalyst for policy dialogue and introducing AI adoption into Nigeria’s national development conversation.
InnovateAI 2025 – “Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria”: The second edition expanded to over 6,000 in-person participants. It tackled systemic barriers, including talent shortages, limited data access, and infrastructure gaps, that constrain AI’s growth in the country.

With the 2026 conference, organisers are shifting the focus from simple adoption to establishing the principles for trustworthy, inclusive, and responsible AI.

What to Expect in 2026

The Lagos conference will convene policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and citizens for essential debates and knowledge exchange on critical issues shaping the continent’s AI trajectory.

Key sessions will cover:

AI Governance in Africa: Laying down frameworks for trust and accountability.
Deepfakes, Fraud & Security Risks: Protecting Nigeria’s digital society and transactions.
Digital Literacy for All: Equipping citizens with the knowledge to thrive in the AI era.
Responsible AI Innovation: Supporting startups while balancing safety and growth.

“Innovation without trust and governance risks leaving people behind. InnovateAI 2026 is a platform to ensure Africa defines its own AI future—anchored on ethics, inclusivity, and safety,” said Ehia Erhaboh, Co-Convener of AI in Nigeria.

Nigeria in the Global Conversation

Nigeria’s move to center responsible AI mirrors ongoing global debates, from Europe's EU AI Act to UNESCO’s worldwide AI Ethics Guidelines. By aligning its national AI conversation with these international frameworks, InnovateAI 2026 positions Nigeria as a thought leader in shaping Africa’s voice in the global AI governance discourse.

AI in Nigeria is currently inviting organisations to partner or sponsor InnovateAI 2026, offering a vital opportunity to shape Africa’s responsible AI movement and engage directly with key policymakers and technology leaders.