Google data shows Nigerians turning to AI to boost creativity, professional growth

Business a.m.

A recent search trend report from Google reveals that Nigerians are showing more interest in artificial intelligence (AI) than ever before, with search queries related to AI  rising 130 percent compared to the same period last year. 

Apart from general interest in AI, specific queries like “What is AI” also increased by 30 percent, indicating a strong desire for better understanding of the technology. Similarly, the number of searches related to “How to use AI” grew 40 percent, highlighting the eagerness to harness the power of AI in Nigeria. 

All these factors combined result in Nigeria being ranked as the 6th highest country with interest in AI in Africa, and 25th in the world.

“Nigerians are looking to use AI to build their careers and creativity – with trending searches including “create a logo with AI”, “create CV with AI”, “design website with AI”, “design a flyer with AI” and “create slides with AI” – all of which were ‘breakout’ searches in 2024, growing over 5,000% in interest since this time last year. 

Nigerians are also interested in learning more about AI and how best to use it. Searches for “AI and courses” have increased by 50% – while top questions include “is AI hard to learn”, “how to learn AI” and “how to access and learn about AI”. Search interest in AI and business more than doubled (+110%), while searches for AI and jobs more than septupled (+640%),” Google noted. 

The report indicated that in addition to the increased curiosity about AI in general, Nigerians are increasingly exploring the role of AI in various sectors, including cybersecurity and healthcare.  This is as the country’s search interest in “cybersecurity and AI” has nearly doubled (+80%), and searches for “AI and healthcare” have exploded (+140%), while queries related to “AI and medicine” (+50%), “AI and STEM” (+60%), and “AI and hospitals” (+60%) have all seen significant increases.

In line with its mission of harnessing the power of AI for societal improvement, Google has launched Hustle Academy, a platform providing African entrepreneurs with free AI training modules to enhance their business operations.

Designed to impart knowledge and skills related to AI and its business applications, the Academy offers customised modules that empower entrepreneurs to leverage AI for more effective and efficient business processes, ensuring that they stay at the forefront of technological advancements in their respective industries.

Since its launch, Hustle Academy has already made a notable impact by empowering over 10,000 businesses in Africa.

 Furthermore, Google reiterated its commitment to support budding AI-based startups in the region through its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme. The initiative, designed to nurture startups with potential to drive change in Africa, selected 10 AI-driven ventures for its 2024 cohort

Commenting on the report, Olumide Balogun, West Africa director at Google said: “AI has the potential to create opportunities – from the extraordinary to the everyday – for everyone: bringing new waves of innovation, social and economic progress. So it’s no surprise that the people of Nigeria are already looking to make the most of this transformational technology – finding ways for it to boost their career, creativity, and society.”