Nigeria has emerged as the sixth highest country in Africa in terms of search interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), and ranks 25th globally, according to a new report by Google.
The report, titled “New search trends,” was released on Wednesday and highlights the growing interest in AI among Nigerians, with searches for AI-related topics reaching unprecedented levels in 2024.
According to the report, the term “Artificial Intelligence” was searched 130% more in Nigeria this year compared to the same period last year. In particular, searches for “what is AI” increased by over 30%, and searches for “how to use AI” rose by 40%.
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The report also noted that Nigerians are increasingly using AI to enhance their careers and creative endeavors. Searches like “create a logo with AI,” “create CV with AI,” “design website with AI,” “design a flyer with AI,” and “create slides with AI” have seen a breakout surge, growing over 5,000% in interest since last year.
Nigerians’ curiosity extends to learning more about AI, with searches for “AI and courses” up by 50%. Popular questions include “is AI hard to learn,” “how to learn AI,” and “how to access and learn about AI.” There has also been a significant rise in searches linking AI with business (+110%), jobs (+640%), and cybersecurity (+80%).
Interest in AI’s role in science, healthcare, and STEM fields is also on the rise. Searches for “AI and healthcare” more than doubled (+140%), while those for “AI and medicine” increased by 50%. Searches for AI in STEM and hospital settings both grew by 60%.
Reacting to the findings, Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, commented, “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.”
Balogun emphasized Google’s commitment to ensuring AI acts as a force for positive societal change. He highlighted that Google offers free AI training programs through its Hustle Academy, which has empowered over 10,000 businesses since its launch in 2022. The Hustle Academy includes modules tailored for entrepreneurs, teaching them how to leverage AI to improve their businesses.
In addition to training, Google supports AI-focused startups in Africa through its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. The 2024 cohort selected 10 AI-driven ventures that are addressing key challenges across the continent.
