BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
During a panel session at the recently held Art of Technology 6.0 organised by the Lagos State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology recently, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment to becoming the hub of Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation in West Africa.
Speaking to a captivated audience, the Commissioner highlighted the bold strategies being implemented under the visionary leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu to attract investments, support local startups, and establish a robust digital infrastructure for AI-driven businesses.
According to her, the Lagos State Government is fostering an AI-friendly environment through targeted policies and incentives. The Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council (LASRIC) is funding tech startups, while partnerships with global tech giants are accelerating knowledge transfer and infrastructure development. Iconic hubs like the Yaba Knowledge Hub and Eko Innovation Centre are at the forefront of this revolution, providing fertile ground for AI research and development.
The Commissioner emphasised the power of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), noting, “By working together, we are creating a synergy that ensures innovation, shared investments, and scalable infrastructure.”
She explained further that the government’s inclusive approach ensures that both startups and corporations benefit from Lagos’s AI transformation.
Through capacity-building programmes like Code Lagos, young talents are being equipped with skills to thrive in an AI-driven world. Startups receive mentorship and funding through LASRIC, while innovation events foster partnerships between agile startups and resource-rich corporations. Regulatory frameworks are also being designed to ensure ethical and inclusive AI practices, protecting small businesses and encouraging healthy competition.