Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to supercharge the global economy by a staggering $15.7 trillion by 2030. For Nigeria, this isn’t just a statistic — it’s a call to action to harness AI’s transformative power and unlock unprecedented growth.
This insight comes from the groundbreaking whitepaper “AI in Nigeria: Opportunities, Challenges and Strategic Pathways,” unveiled last week in Lagos. The report, a collaboration between Lagos Business School (LBS), Microsoft, and PwC, lays out a compelling vision for how AI can fuel Nigeria’s economic evolution by boosting productivity, driving innovation, and revolutionizing critical sectors like healthcare, education, and finance.
Launched during Microsoft’s AI Skills Week on May 29, the report features expert voices including Ola Williams, Managing Director of Microsoft Nigeria, and Raphael Yemitan, PwC Nigeria’s Associate Director for AI and Data.
In a powerful keynote, Professor Olayinka David-West, Dean of Lagos Business School, sounded a critical note on ethics. “AI magnifies existing biases. If data excludes certain groups, AI systems will reinforce those exclusions,” she warned, urging a future of responsible, inclusive AI development that leaves no one behind.
Across Nigeria, AI is already making waves: banks deploy smart chatbots to enhance customer service and fight fraud; agricultural platforms like Kitovu provide farmers with AI-driven, personalized advice; and e-commerce startups such as Bumpa harness AI tools to empower small businesses.
These innovations mark a shift in mindset—Nigerian entrepreneurs and policymakers increasingly see AI not just as technology, but as a vital solution to local challenges.
“Nigeria’s AI journey is just beginning, but the potential is immense,” said Ola Williams. “With rising awareness and global momentum, there’s growing excitement to leverage AI for inclusive economic growth.”
The report applauds national efforts like the Nigeria Artificial Intelligence Research Scheme (NAIRS) and the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), which are nurturing homegrown AI talent and innovation. The recently launched National AI Strategy sets a clear, ambitious roadmap to elevate Nigeria to AI leadership on the continent.
Yet significant challenges remain: a shortage of skilled professionals, infrastructural bottlenecks, low AI awareness, and fears of job losses loom large. The persistent brain drain of Nigerian tech talent further strains the ecosystem.
To bridge these gaps, the Federal Government’s Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative and Microsoft’s AI Skills Navigator are aggressively training the next generation of AI specialists. Schools are beginning to embed AI education into curricula, while intelligent tutoring systems promise to personalize learning and broaden access.
As Nigeria stands on the cusp of an AI-driven revolution, the question is clear: will it seize this moment to become a global AI powerhouse, or risk falling behind?
