News Highlights:
- Nigeria Innovation Summit 11.0 will focus on the theme “Innovating in the Age of AI,” exploring how artificial intelligence can drive economic growth and innovation across Africa.
- The summit is expected to convene leading innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, academics, and global technology experts on October 6, 2026, in Lagos.
Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem is set for another major gathering as InnovationHub Africa has announced plans for the 11th edition of the Nigeria Innovation Summit (NIS 11.0), with a strong focus on the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on business, governance, and economic development.
Scheduled for October 6, 2026, at the Shell Hall of the Muson Centre, Lagos, the summit is expected to bring together innovators, startups, entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, academics, and global technology leaders to explore opportunities for innovation-led growth in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking on the agenda for the event, the Programme Director of the Summit, Mr Tony Ajah, disclosed that the theme for this year’s edition is “Innovating in the Age of AI.”
According to him, the theme addresses a critical question facing the continent today. “The theme for this year’s event is ‘Innovating in the Age of AI’. The theme confronts one of the defining questions of our time: how can Nigeria and Africa harness the power of AI to drive transformative innovation, accelerate economic growth, and compete boldly on the global stage?” he said.
Ajah noted that artificial intelligence is already reshaping industries and redefining how economies function, making it imperative for Nigerian innovators and institutions to position themselves strategically.
“We are living through the most consequential technological shift of our generation. AI is happening right now, reshaping industries, redefining careers, and rewriting the rules of competition. As AI reshapes every sector from agriculture to fintech, from healthcare to education, we are creating the most critical space for Nigeria’s innovators to get ahead of the curve,” he stated.
He further emphasised that the summit is designed to move beyond conversations and inspiration by delivering practical outcomes that can strengthen innovation capacity across sectors.
“NIS 11.0 is our clarion call to every Nigerian innovator and institution to get in the room, understand the wave, and ride it. We must not be spectators in the AI revolution but architects of it. So, this year’s event will go beyond inspiration to deliver actionable insights and measurable impact, empowering stakeholders to build resilient and future-ready systems,” Ajah added.
Over the years, the Nigeria Innovation Summit has established itself as one of the country’s leading platforms for promoting technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
The annual event brings together experts from within Nigeria and around the world to share ideas, build networks, and foster collaborations aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges through innovation.
This year’s programme will feature insightful panel discussions, Nigeria Innovation Experience (NiX) Talks, technology showcases, workshops, fireside chats, startup pitch sessions, and exhibitions.
The event will culminate in the presentation of the 2026 Nigeria Innovation Awards, which recognise outstanding contributions to innovation and technological advancement.
Organisers said the summit is also structured to facilitate strategic partnerships, attract investment opportunities, and influence policy directions that support innovation-driven development.
According to records from previous editions, the summit has attracted more than 15,000 delegates, 240 speakers and panellists, representatives from 100 tertiary institutions and research centres, 40 government ministries, participants from all 36 states of the federation, over 170 sponsors and partners, delegates from 42 countries, and 97 innovation award recipients.
Participation is open to local and international businesses, startups, MSMEs, investors, public and private institutions, embassies, high commissions, members of the academic community, and other stakeholders within the innovation ecosystem.
The event will also be streamed live to audiences across Nigeria and beyond, while attendance remains free for registered participants.
Organisers further disclosed that NIS 11.0 offers sponsorship, partnership, and exhibition opportunities for organisations seeking to showcase innovative products, services, and ideas to a diverse audience of industry stakeholders.
