Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0 to drive jobs, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration

The Omniverse Africa Summit 3.0 is set to drive jobs, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration across the continent.

As Africa’s premier platform for innovation, digital transformation, and the creative economy, the event promises to unlock new employment opportunities, spark groundbreaking ideas, and forge powerful partnerships that accelerate sustainable growth and deliver real economic and social impact for the region.

The summit will be held from June 2 to June 5, 2026, at the newly renovated National Theatre in Lagos, an iconic landmark venue now revitalized to host this landmark gathering of thousands of innovators, creatives, policymakers, and development partners to strengthen cross-sector collaboration across the continent.

The Summit, now in its third edition, has convened over 30,000 participants from more than 20 countries, featured 180+ prominent speakers, and engaged 80+ partners across government, academia, and the private sector.

This year edition will focus on four thematic days Narrative, Collaboration, Monetization, and Innovation Days with dedicated engagement zones including the Creative Forge, Career Center, Universe Research Exchange, Deep Tech Summit, and Green Economy Summit.

Charles Emembolu, co-convener of Omniverse Africa, traced the summit’s origins to several years of ecosystem building and collaboration.

Emembolu described Omniverse as a co-designed, co-shared platform that unites stakeholders across sectors to transform ideas into partnerships, innovation, and measurable economic and social value for Africa.

Stakeholders at the press conference highlighted the summit’s impact on entrepreneurship, job creation, and technology adoption.

Feyisayo Alayande, executive secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, said the summit provides opportunities for SMEs to grow and scale. She cited a participant who combined fashion and AI to develop solutions for creative businesses during the last summit, demonstrating how Omniverse bridges creativity and technology.

Ijeoma Akande, of NITDA, called the summit a vital platform for scaling Nigeria’s digital economy. She said it allows public and private sectors to converge, creating programs that deliver tangible economic and social benefits.

Ereo toivainen, head of trade office of Finland in Nigeria, emphasized opportunities for collaboration in quantum computing and advanced research initiatives. He said Finland’s expertise in hybrid quantum-supercomputer technology could benefit Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.

Yetunde Asika, founder of Ajoba Development Foundation, praised the summit for enabling West Africa’s first platform for AI ethics and governance discussions, helping stakeholders anticipate and navigate emerging technological trends.

Samuel Jackson, of the Innovation Support Network (ISN), highlighted the summit’s deal room, describing it as a hub where startups can access mentorship, funding, and scale their businesses through strategic partnerships.
European partners also underscored the summit’s significance.

Inga Stefanowicz, head of green and digital economy at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the EU’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy, including over €103 million in funding for digital infrastructure and technical skills development. She emphasized that platforms like Omniverse Africa serve as a strategic ecosystem for the European Union to engage a wider network of stakeholders, enabling deeper collaboration across innovation, talent, and the digital economy.

Sharon Dikedi, of the Omniverse Africa team, described the summit as an ecosystem of ecosystems, highlighting its theme, “Connected Future, Synergy for Impact.” She said the event creates opportunities for industries, ideas, and people to connect, collaborate, and deliver meaningful outcomes for the continent.

Yemisi Akande of IHS mentioned that IHS as the core telecommunications infrastructure provider is proud to be an Omniverse Africa Summit partner since 2024 and is looking forward quality engagement at the Omniverse 3.0.

Organizers said this year’s summit at the National Theatre, a landmark venue recently renovated, marks a milestone for the event. Attendees will have access to interactive exhibits, workshops, and networking spaces designed to promote co-creation, resource sharing, and co-funding opportunities.

Emembolu said Omniverse is a co-designed, co-shared platform that unites stakeholders across sectors, providing a space to innovate, collaborate, and generate economic and social value for Africa.

The Summit is supported by a diverse coalition of partners, including the European Union; German Cooperation (GIZ); IHS Towers; MTN Group; the Governments of Denmark, Ireland, Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland; the Innovation Support Network of Nigeria; the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund; the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy; the National Council for Arts and Culture and the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

Other sponsors are the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria; the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion; the National Information Technology Development Agency; the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy; Fidelity Bank Plc; the United Nations Development Programme; and other strategic collaborators advancing innovation, digital inclusion, and sustainable enterprise development across Africa.