Stakeholders at the Third Lagos Forum 2026 urged Nigeria to use AI to boost productivity, support MSMEs, agriculture, healthcare, education and trade competitiveness.

Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), should be strategically deployed to improve productivity and strengthen key sectors of Nigeria’s economy, stakeholders at the Third Lagos Forum 2026 have said.

They identified Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), agriculture, healthcare, education and trade as areas where AI could contribute to higher productivity, improved services and stronger economic competitiveness.

The forum was organised by the Consulate-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos in partnership with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, China, and other stakeholders.

Held under the theme, “A People-Centred Approach to AI Governance: China–Nigeria Cooperation for Bridging the AI Divide,” the forum examined the contribution of artificial intelligence to economic development and sustainable growth.

Speaking on “AI for Sustainable Development,” NACCIMA Director-General, Sola Obadimu, advocated responsible and practical use of AI while encouraging Nigeria to learn from China’s technological development.

Obadimu said artificial intelligence could serve as a significant tool for raising productivity and strengthening several areas of the Nigerian economy, particularly MSMEs, agriculture, healthcare, education and trade.

He noted that achieving effective AI adoption in Nigeria would require sustained investment in digital infrastructure, human capital, research and innovation. He also called for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors.

“The successful adoption of AI in Nigeria requires sustained investment in digital infrastructure, the development of human capital and digital skills, increased investment in research and innovation, strengthened public-private partnerships, and enhanced collaboration between governments, academia, industry, and development partners,” he said.

He further said AI should be applied to raise productivity, assist MSMEs, increase agricultural output, strengthen healthcare systems, improve education, boost trade competitiveness and promote inclusive economic growth.

The forum attracted members of the Chinese diplomatic community, academics from Nigerian and Chinese universities, researchers, private-sector representatives, development partners, civil society organisations and media practitioners.

Participants examined the importance of developing AI systems that keep people at the centre of technological advancement while upholding ethical standards, transparency, accountability, digital inclusion and equitable access to emerging technologies.

Discussions also explored opportunities to deepen China-Nigeria cooperation in AI governance, widen access to emerging technologies and reduce the digital divide.

Stakeholders identified knowledge exchange, capacity building, joint research, digital infrastructure development, AI innovation ecosystems and technology partnerships as important areas for strengthening cooperation between Nigeria and China.

They also advocated stronger cooperation among governments, businesses, academic institutions, development partners and civil society organisations in shaping policies that encourage responsible AI adoption while safeguarding the public interest.

The Third Lagos Forum 2026 therefore served as a platform for dialogue on the future of artificial intelligence and reinforced the shared interest of Nigeria and China in advancing a people-centred approach to AI governance.

The event was attended by the Chinese Consul-General in Lagos, Her Excellency Yan Yuqing, who served as the chief host.

Other participants included representatives of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Zhejiang Normal University’s Institute of Africa Studies, Huawei Nigeria, the Nigerian private sector and other research and development institutions.

Source: MSME Africa