The Lagos government says it is funding 90 research and development projects while deploying 3,000 kilometres of fibre-optic network to boost innovation.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Tuesday at the Women in Technology and Engineering Summit and Awards (WITESA 5.0) in Lagos.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said Lagos remained Nigeria’s largest public-sector investor in innovation.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said Lagos supported about 90 R&D initiatives across four major universities, funding innovators solving real-world development challenges.

According to him, Lagos continues to invest in digital governance, broadband expansion and smart-city systems to strengthen its global competitiveness.

“More than 3,000 kilometres of fibre-optic cable were laid between 2019 and 2025, expanding connectivity and supporting economic growth,” the governor said.

He noted persistent gender gaps in STEM, despite evidence that diverse teams deliver stronger innovation outcomes across sectors.

“This is not merely a gender issue; it is an economic and competitiveness issue. Africa cannot afford to leave half of its talent pool behind,” the governor stated.

Mr Sanwo-Olu urged stronger collaboration among governments, academia and industry to expand women’s participation in the digital economy.

Convener of WITESA 5.0, Motunrayo Opayinka, said innovation achieves full impact only when women occupy leadership and decision-making roles.

She said the summit, organised by Womenovate and Tech Revolution Africa, was created to amplify women in STEM.

“The future of Africa will be shaped by women, and innovation reaches its fullest potential when women are leaders, creators and entrepreneurs,” she said.

Co-convener David Ogebe said women remained underrepresented in engineering and technology despite decades of advocacy.

According to him, global female representation in engineering is about 26 per cent, while participation in technology remains around 15 per cent.

Mr Ogebe called for stronger mentorship by established professionals to help young women access opportunities and close persistent gender gaps.

“The path has been paved. What was not possible 20 years ago is possible today. Young women must seize the opportunities,” he said.

He added that inclusive ecosystems remained essential to accelerating Africa’s long-term technological transformation.

(NAN)