Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) adoption has accelerated across Africa, with Nigeria emerging as one of the continent’s frontrunners.
While Lagos and Abuja often dominate headlines as Nigeria’s innovation hubs, Benin City is steadily carving its place with initiatives like the Edo Innovation Hub and partnerships with the University of Benin (UNIBEN).
This momentum now sets the stage for GritinAI Connect: AI Conference Benin 1.0, which will be held on September 26–27, 2025, at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub.
Organised by GritinAI, the event will gather innovators, policymakers, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs to explore how AI can drive sustainable development in Edo State and beyond.
AI for Sustainable Development in Edo State
Edo has often struggled with negative global perceptions linked to youth cybercrime and human trafficking. Yet, beneath this narrative lies a fast-growing innovation ecosystem powered by young talents and institutions like the Edo Innovation Hub. GritinAI, a local AI-focused software company, is leveraging this energy to change the story.
The conference theme, AI for Sustainable Development: Transforming MSMEs, Public Services, Education, Health, Governance, and Industry, capture the ambition.
Organisers aim to highlight how AI can address practical challenges—whether through innovative inventory systems for small businesses, AI-powered tools in agriculture, or data-driven solutions in governance and healthcare. With Edo ranked among the top five states in cybercrime convictions, the event also represents an opportunity to channel youthful creativity into innovation rather than exploitation.
Key activities, speakers, and agenda
The two-day program will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, product showcases, and breakout sessions, emphasising actionable insights. Attendees will hear from thought leaders across academia, government, and industry, alongside international development partners.
Pre-conference activities, such as hackathons, robotics boot camps, and digital inclusion campaigns such as “Everybody Must Be Techy, ” have already built momentum. These initiatives have trained hundreds of youths, supported MSMEs, and created awareness about AI’s role in building future-ready communities.
Over 1,000 attendees are expected, including 200+ MSMEs exploring business applications, 300+ students seeking mentorship, and more than 20 industry leaders and policymakers driving discussions. Topics will cover responsible AI, digital inclusion, AI in health equity, and the role of academia in fostering ethical and innovative solutions.
Partnerships, sponsorships, and opportunities
The AI Conference Benin 1.0 enjoys support from notable partners such as the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Google Developers Group Benin, Edo Innovation Hub, and Techpression Media. Organisers also welcome corporate sponsorships, positioning brands at the centre of Africa’s AI transformation.
Registration is open to the public at ₦5,000 ($3 USD), with physical and remote participation options available. Interested participants can secure tickets via the official portal: gritinaiconnect.gritinai.com/tickets.
A WhatsApp community has also been launched to provide updates on speakers, programs, and networking opportunities.
By anchoring the event in Edo, GritinAI is signalling that innovation doesn’t have to be confined to Lagos or Abuja. Instead, Benin City is positioned as a hub of AI-driven creativity and collaboration, capable of shaping Nigeria’s and Africa’s digital future.