Recent Google search trends indicate a significant rise in artificial intelligence (AI) interest in Nigeria. The latest data shows that Nigeria ranks 6th in Africa and 25th globally for AI search interest. In 2024, searches related to AI in Nigeria have more than doubled, with a 130% increase compared to the previous year.
Key Findings from Google’s AI Search Trends Report
The report highlights a substantial increase in searches for AI-related queries in Nigeria. Notable trends include:
- "What is AI" searches rose by 30%.
- "How to use AI" searches grew by 40%.
Reasons behind the surge in AI searches
Nigerians are increasingly turning to AI to enhance their careers and creative projects. The surge in searches for terms like “create a logo with AI,” “create CV with AI,” “design website with AI,” “design a flyer with AI,” and “create slides with AI” reflects this trend. These searches have seen a staggering increase of over 5,000% since last year, indicating a significant shift towards utilizing AI for various purposes.
The report also notes a growing interest in AI education, with searches for “AI and courses” increasing by 50%. Common queries include “Is AI hard to learn?”, “How to learn AI?”, and “How to access and learn about AI?”. Interest in AI-related career opportunities has also surged, with searches for AI and business up by 110% and AI and jobs increasing by a remarkable 640%.
Rising interest in AI and cybersecurity
Search interest in AI and cybersecurity has nearly doubled in Nigeria, increasing by over 80%. Additionally, there is a notable focus on AI’s potential in the field of science, with searches for AI and healthcare more than doubling (+140%). Searches for AI and medicine have increased by 50%, while interest in AI and STEM, as well as AI and hospitals, both grew by 60%.
Olumide Balogun, West Africa Director at Google, commented on the trends: “AI has the potential to create opportunities—from transformative innovations to everyday solutions. It’s clear that Nigerians are eager to leverage this technology to advance their careers, boost their creativity, and contribute to societal progress.”
Google’s commitment to AI education and support
Aligning with its mission to harness AI for positive societal impact, Google provides free AI training through its Hustle Academy. Launched in 2022, the Hustle Academy offers modules designed to help African entrepreneurs integrate AI into their businesses. To date, it has empowered over 10,000 businesses. Google also supports AI-focused startups in Africa through its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, which selected 10 AI-driven ventures for its 2024 cohort.
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