The Nigeria Innovation Summit has charted a course for Africa’s innovation future, with industry leaders and experts calling for a shift towards sustainable innovation.

Speaking at the 10th edition of the summit in Lagos, Programme Director of the Nigeria Innovation Summit, Tony Ajah, stressed the need for innovation to focus on long-term impact and inclusive growth.

He said: “Innovation must begin to extend beyond new ideas and novelty; it must focus on what is sustainable. As we celebrate a decade of driving conversations that inspire actions and shape the future of innovation in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond, our commitment remains to build systems that deliver long-term impact and inclusive growth.”

The summit, sponsored by the Bank of New Innovation Limited and eHealth Africa, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to shape actionable strategies for a sustainable, innovation-driven economy.

Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Tunbosun Alake, noted the state government’s efforts in establishing Nigeria’s first sub-sovereign innovation fund, which has provided funding support to over 70 startups, saying this has positioned Lagos State at the forefront of technological advancement in the country.

Other speakers included Dr. Chinyere Almona, Director General and CEO of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Prof. Michelle Lane Messina, CEO of Explora International LLC, and Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, Founder and CEO of Rise Networks & Rise Interactive Studios, Africa.

Panel sessions explored critical themes shaping Africa’s innovation ecosystem, including digital solutions for sustainable transformation, building sustainable solutions for impact, and EdTech for inclusion. The summit featured insights from innovators and entrepreneurs, including Richard Pepple, Founder of Technoville Nigeria, and Divine Iloh, Co-founder of SabiScholar.

These sessions featured insights from a dynamic group of innovators and entrepreneurs, including Richard Pepple, Founder of Technoville Nigeria; Sheila Moor, Founder and CEO of Fresh Fare HQ; Victor Boyle, CEO of GIVO; Chiemela Anosike, Founder and CEO of Solaris GreenTech Hub; Nedinma Obioha, Founder and CEO of TecTerminal LTD; Adaobi Orajiaku, Founder of Atsur; Divine Iloh, Co-founder of SabiScholar; Frances Aborigho, Founder of Sh’Emerge, and Rosemond Phil-Othihiwa, Corporate Commercial and Startup Attorney.

With over 1,500 in-person and virtual attendees, the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Innovation Summit solidified its position as a leading platform for driving meaningful conversations and actionable solutions in Africa’s innovation landscape.