AOT Lagos 8.0 Sets AI Ethics and Governance Agenda

In Short

Art of Technology Lagos (AOT Lagos 8.0) has been announced by Eko Innovation Centre, in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology. The event is scheduled for 3 December 2026 at the Landmark Event Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos.

What Happened: How AOT Lagos 8.0 Is Framing Responsible Tech

AOT Lagos 8.0 will run under the theme “Beyond Smart Cities: Tech Adoption × Ethics × Governance.” The organisers say the theme reflects growing focus on responsible use of artificial intelligence, digital public infrastructure, connected services, and data driven technologies.

Eko Innovation Centre and its partners said AOT Lagos has welcomed over 125,000 participants, hosted 340 speakers, delivered 262 keynote sessions, and generated more than 15 million engagements across 145 countries.

They also said AOT Lagos has moved beyond a conference into a platform for collaboration and policy development. The announcement credits the platform with contributing to initiatives including the Lagos Innovation Master Plan, Startup Lagos, the Talent Acceleration Masterplan, the Lagos Digital Service Portal, and the Lagos Digital Service Portal 2.0 (Chatbot Inclusive).

AOT Lagos 8.0 is expected to feature technology leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and global industry experts. The listed speakers include Dr. Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Sade Dada, Head of Public Policy, Anglophone West Africa at Meta, Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Identity Management Commission, and Olatubosun Alake, Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, Lagos State.

Victor Afolabi, Founder of Eko Innovation Centre, said: “Technology is changing faster than ever before, but sustainable progress depends on more than innovation alone. It requires responsible adoption, effective governance, and meaningful collaboration across the public and private sectors. AOT Lagos 8.0 provides a platform for the conversations, partnerships, and ideas that will help shape Africa’s digital future.”

The programme will include executive keynotes, policy dialogues, ministerial roundtables, technology exhibitions, startup showcases, investment engagements, and thematic tracks. The announcement lists tracks including AI, Ethics and Governance, Smart Infrastructure and Urban Innovation, and Fintech, Regulation and Digital Economy.

Why It Matters

As more government and business services rely on AI and data, events like AOT Lagos 8.0 can help set expectations for transparency, accountability, inclusion, and public trust. The organisers are positioning the conference as a place where policy conversations and partnerships can form, not only product demos and talks.