Google search for artificial intelligence (AI) topics in Nigeria hit record highs in 2024 as data shows that related searches increased by an outstanding 130 per cent in 2024, indicating more than double the numbers reached compared to 2023. This was revealed in a Google Search Trends report for the period between January 1 and July 15 2024. According to the report, the impressive increase in Nigeria reflects a global rise in interest in all things artificial intelligence.
The report further noted that the highest search trends in Nigeria related to artificial intelligence include searches for “what is AI” which increased by more than 30 per cent, while searches for “how to use AI” have increased by 40 per cent.
These new search trends released by Google show that people in Nigeria have continued to search for AI more than ever before. The country now boasts the sixth-highest search interest in AI in Africa and ranks 25th in the world.
Speaking about the latest trend, West Africa Director at Google, Olumide Balogun, noted that it is not surprising to see Nigerians embracing the technology because of its capacity to provide opportunities where there are none.
“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,” Olumide said.
Nigerians are exploring AI for job opportunities
Per the report, Nigerians are looking to use AI to build their careers and creativity. In light of this, 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, all grew by over 5,000 per cent in interest since this time last year.
Nigerians are also interested in learning more about how best to use and deploy the technology. Searches for “AI and courses” have increased by 50 per cent 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 per cent), while searches for AI and jobs more than septupled (640 per cent).
See also: 40% of young Africans believe that AI will make a better boss than humans – Report
Search interest in cybersecurity and AI also nearly doubled across Nigeria (80 per cent), while people showed a clear interest in the future of AI for science. Searches for AI and healthcare more than doubled (140 per cent), searches for AI and medicine increased by 50 per cent, and searches for AI and STEM and AI and hospitals both increased by 60 per cent.
Aligned with its commitment to AI as a force for positive societal change, Google also offers free artificial intelligence training programs to Africans through its Hustle Academy. This initiative, designed for entrepreneurs, includes modules specifically tailored to teach participants how to leverage AI to improve their businesses.
Since its launch in 2022, Hustle Academy has empowered over 10,000 businesses. Additionally, Google supports promising AI-focused startups in Africa through its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. This program, which assists startups tackling African challenges, selected 10 AI-driven ventures for its 2024 cohort.
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