Nigeria emerges global leader in AI adoption for learning, entrepreneurship — Google

Nigeria is fast positioning itself as one of the world’s most enthusiastic and innovative adopters of artificial intelligence, according to a new report by Google in partnership with Ipsos.

The study titled ‘Our Life with AI: Helpfulness in the hands of more people,’ shows that Nigerians are not merely experimenting with AI tools but are integrating them deeply into learning, work and entrepreneurship outpacing global averages by a wide margin.

According to the survey, 88 percent of Nigerian adults have used an AI chatbot, representing an 18-percentage-point increase from 2024.

This places Nigeria significantly ahead of the global average of 62 percent, underscoring the country’s rapid embrace of emerging technologies.

“It’s inspiring to see how Nigerians are creatively and purposefully using AI to unlock new opportunities for learning, growth, and economic empowerment,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, communications and public affairs manager for Google in West Africa.

“This report doesn’t just show high adoption rates; it tells the story of a nation actively shaping its future with technology. AI is becoming a tool for accelerating progress and achieving ambition, and we’re committed to keeping it helpful and accessible for everyone.”

While learning has become the leading global use case for AI, Nigerians are pushing the technology further into personal and professional development.

The report found that 93 percent of Nigerians use AI tools to learn or understand complex topics, far exceeding the global average of 74 percent.

In the workplace, AI is increasingly seen as a productivity partner, with 91 percent of respondents saying they use AI to assist with their work.

Read also: Artificial Intelligence trends to watch in 2026 The technology is also proving critical for economic mobility, as 80 percent of Nigerians reported using AI to explore a new business or consider a career change, nearly double the global figure of 42 percent.

The survey reveals overwhelming optimism about AI’s impact on education in Nigeria.

About 91 percent of respondents believe AI is having a positive effect on how people learn and access information, compared with roughly 65 percent globally.

Confidence is even stronger in higher education, with 95 percent saying university students and educators are likely to benefit from AI tools.

The report shows that 80 percent of Nigerians feel more excited than concerned about the possibilities of AI, while only 20 percent express greater concern.

Globally, sentiment is far more divided, with 53 percent excited and 46 percent concerned.

Read also: From Imhotep to Artificial Intelligence: The transformative power of mathematics in Africa’s STEAM revolution

Among heavy AI users in Nigeria, optimism is even higher, rising to 90 percent, suggesting that familiarity with the technology is driving confidence rather than fear.

Folake Balogun is a tech journalist covering Africa’s fast-growing digital economy with a strong focus on incisive analysis of startup trends, venture capital, and fintech innovation, while also exploring emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and the future of connectivity by highlighting their economic and social impact.

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date