TLDR: AI in Nigeria has announced ‘Responsible AI beyond Innovation’ as the theme for its third annual conference, InnovateAI Lagos 2026. The event, scheduled for 2026, aims to foster discussions on the ethical, security, and governance aspects of artificial intelligence, building on the success of previous editions that focused on AI adaptation and scaling in Nigeria.
AI in Nigeria, a prominent organization dedicated to artificial intelligence advocacy and development within the nation, has officially revealed the agenda for its highly anticipated third annual conference, InnovateAI Lagos 2026. The upcoming event is set to be a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s technological landscape, centered around the theme: ‘Responsible AI beyond Innovation’.
Building on the momentum of its predecessors, InnovateAI 2026 will delve into critical discussions surrounding the ethical implications, security challenges, and governance frameworks essential for the sustainable growth of artificial intelligence. The conference aims to shape the national dialogue on how AI can be developed and deployed responsibly across various sectors.
Previous editions of the conference have seen significant engagement and impact. The inaugural InnovateAI 2024, themed ‘Adapting AI for Nigeria’, successfully catalyzed policy discussions and attracted over 4,000 physical attendees, including AI innovators, academia, researchers, and policymakers from both public and private sectors. The recently concluded 2025 conference, ‘Scaling AI Adoption in Nigeria’, further expanded its reach, drawing over 6,000 physical participants and live-streaming to twelve AI in Nigeria community hubs across the country’s six geopolitical zones. The 2025 event specifically addressed systemic challenges to scaling AI, such as talent development, data infrastructure, and compute resources.
InnovateAI 2026 marks a strategic evolution, shifting focus from mere adoption to a deeper exploration of the foundational principles required for trustworthy and sustainable AI integration. Key topics slated for discussion include:
AI Governance in Africa: Establishing a robust framework for a trusted future.
Deepfakes, Fraud & Security Risks: Strategies for protecting Nigeria’s digital society from emerging threats.
AI & Financial Services: Building trust in combating fraud and ensuring secure transactions.
Digital Literacy for All: Empowering citizens through education to navigate the age of AI.
Responsible AI Innovation: Striking a balance between safety and progress.
Ehia Erhaboh, Co-Convener of the InnovateAI Conference and Co-Founder of AI in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of this shift, stating, ‘AI is reshaping industries, economies, and societies at an unprecedented pace, but innovation without trust and governance risks leaving people behind. InnovateAI 2026 is a platform to ensure Africa defines its own AI future, one where ethics, inclusivity, and safety guide progress.’
The conference is expected to convene a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, technology experts, and the general public, to collectively chart a course that ensures AI serves as a force for good. This includes fostering inclusive opportunities, enhancing healthcare, and enabling smarter governance across Nigeria and the broader African continent.
Also Read:
- Embedding Ethics in Nigeria’s AI Future: A Focus on Human Rights and Digital Lawmaking
- Organizations Redefine Governance to Mitigate AI Risks and Drive Prosocial Innovation
Organizations interested in contributing to Africa’s AI future are invited to partner or sponsor InnovateAI 2026, offering a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership in the responsible AI movement and gain visibility among key stakeholders.
