Nigeria has been experiencing a surge in interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential applications. This growing interest is a reflection of the country’s recognition of the significant impact that AI can have on various sectors and industries, including healthcare, education, finance, and transportation.
Recently, Google released search trend which shows that people in Nigeria are increasingly interested in Artificial intelligence, with a record high in 2022. The top trending questions asked by Nigerian included “what is AI art, “what is deep learning in artificial intelligence,” “how to become an AI engineer,” and “when was artificial intelligence invented” – all of which have been searched 5,000% more in 2022 than 2021. Other searches included “what is artificial intelligence all about” (+370%), “is artificial intelligence a course” (+260%) and “what is artificial intelligence” (+130%). In this article, we will examine the reasons behind this increased interest and how Nigeria is positioning itself to become a leading player in the AI space.
One of the key drivers of the growing interest in AI in Nigeria is the recognition of its potential to drive economic growth and create new jobs. The Nigerian government has been investing in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship as part of its efforts to diversify the economy and create new opportunities for its citizens. AI is seen as a tool that can help the country achieve these goals by automating processes, reducing costs, and improving efficiency across various sectors.
Another factor contributing to the growing interest in AI in Nigeria is the increasing availability of data. The country is home to a large and growing population, which generates vast amounts of data on a daily basis. This data is a valuable resource for companies and organizations looking to leverage AI to drive growth and improve their operations. In addition, the Nigerian government has been making efforts to promote the use of data and encourage businesses to adopt AI technologies.
In recent years, there has been a growing number of startups and companies in Nigeria that are developing AI-powered solutions. These organizations are working to create new technologies and applications that can solve some of the country’s most pressing challenges, such as healthcare delivery, education, and financial services. Additionally, there are a growing number of AI training and education programs being offered in the country, which is helping to build a pool of talent and expertise in the field.
Despite the growing interest in AI in Nigeria, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of infrastructure and investment in the technology. Many businesses in the country struggle to access the resources and funding they need to develop and scale their AI solutions. Another challenge is the need for more regulations and policies to be put in place to ensure that the development and use of AI is safe and responsible.
Nigeria’s growing interest in AI reflects the country’s recognition of the significant impact that this technology can have on various sectors and industries. According to Matt Brittin, “It’s great to see people in Nigeria showing more of an interest in the transformational technology that is AI. AI is already a key part of many of our lives – in fact, if you use Google tools regularly, you’re probably using AI without even realizing: it’s what helps maps give you the fastest or most fuel-efficient route or search to find what you’re looking for. We are continuing to pursue AI boldly and responsibly – creating tools that improve the lives of as many people as possible.”
With Nigeria large and growing population, and its commitment to investing in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, Nigeria is well-positioned to become a leading player in the AI space. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed, including the need for more investment and infrastructure, as well as greater regulation and policies to ensure that AI is used responsibly.
