Lagos Innovates Opens Tech and AI Opportunities for Lagos Residents: How to Benefit
Co-founder of IJM, Oluwamayowa Adeogun; Talent and Client Success Manager at InnoPower Africa, Victor Williams Ikenna; Founder of Techeconomy, Peter Oluka; Head of Employability Unit at Lagos Innovates, Mathieu Michel; Head of Startups at Lagos Innovates, Olanike Aladeojebi; and Founder of Presibo, Jerry Nwobodo, at GrowthX by Techeconomy. Photo Credit : Punch
Lagos residents interested in technology, artificial intelligence, digital skills or entrepreneurship have new opportunities to build skills and access support through Lagos Innovates, an initiative of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF).
Since 2018, Lagos Innovates says it has supported more than 1,200 startups and helped more than 3,000 people develop technology skills. The initiative is now expanding its efforts through additional tech training and the EkoAI Academy, which aims to reach 10,000 young Lagosians.
EkoAI Academy: Free AI Training for 10,000 Lagosians
One of the most accessible opportunities is the EkoAI Academy, which provides free practical AI training for Lagos residents aged 18 to 40.
According to the official programme website, applicants do not need coding experience or previous technology training. Participants need at least an SSCE qualification, must live in Lagos, and have access to a smartphone or computer with internet connectivity.
The programme offers two tracks:
- Job Seeker Track: Learn how to use AI to improve CVs, job applications, interview preparation, and workplace skills.
- Entrepreneurship Track: Learn how to use AI for finding customers, planning, marketing, and running a business more efficiently.
Participants can also receive a certificate and a pathway into the wider Lagos Innovates and LSETF ecosystem.
How to Apply for EkoAI Academy
Registration is currently open. Interested Lagos residents can apply through the official EkoAI Academy registration portal.
The application takes about 10 minutes. Applicants should provide accurate information and ensure they meet the age, residency, education and device requirements before registering.
Free Technology Training in Seven High-Demand Skills
Lagos Innovates has also developed a Talent Development Programme covering seven technology areas:
- AI and Machine Learning
- Software Development
- AI and Data Skills
- Cybersecurity and Ethical Hacking
- UI/UX Design
- Product Management and Digital Entrepreneurship
- Digital Marketing and Growth
The 2026 programme was designed to train about 1,000–1,200 Lagos residents, with an emphasis on employability and connecting participants to opportunities.
However, applications for the current Talent Development Programme are presently closed, according to the official portal. Lagos residents can monitor the official Lagos Innovates website for the next application window.
Startup Owners Can Also Benefit
The opportunities are not only for people looking for jobs.
Lagos Innovates supports early-stage technology startups through programmes such as its Idea Hub and Workspace Voucher initiatives.
The Idea Hub is a 12-week incubation programme designed to help founders develop ideas, build minimum viable products, receive mentorship, and connect with networks within the startup ecosystem. Workspace vouchers can also help eligible early-stage founders access subsidized professional workspaces.
How to Position Yourself for These Opportunities
If you want to benefit from Lagos Innovates, start preparing before applications open.
For job seekers: Choose one digital skill, build basic knowledge, and prepare a good CV.
For aspiring entrepreneurs: Develop your business idea, identify the problem it solves, and be ready to explain to your target customers.
For AI learners: Start learning how AI can improve the skills you already have, such as marketing, graphic design, writing, video production, or business management.
For Lagos residents: Keep your identification and relevant documents available and regularly check official Lagos Innovates channels for new application windows.
“Talent must continue to flow. The ideas must continue to be stimulated.” — Olanike Aladeojebi, Head of Startups, Lagos Innovates.
Why This Matters
These programmes provide an opportunity for Lagos residents to gain practical technology skills, improve their employability, strengthen existing businesses, or develop new ventures.
However, completing a training programme does not automatically guarantee a job or business funding. The real benefit comes from applying skills, building experience, creating a portfolio, and using available networks and opportunities.
For young Lagos residents interested in AI, technology, digital careers and entrepreneurship, Lagos Innovates offers several routes into the state’s growing technology ecosystem.
The EkoAI Academy is currently open for registration, while the next opportunity for the Talent Development Programme and other Lagos Innovates programmes can be monitored through the official website.
Do not pay anyone to apply for these free programmes. Always verify opportunities through official Lagos Innovates or LSETF channels.
