Nigeria is witnessing a significant spike in interest in artificial intelligence, as Google Search Trends reveal a 130% rise in AI-related searches during the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. This sharp increase places Nigeria as the sixth-highest country in Africa and 25th globally for AI interest, highlighting the nation's growing curiosity and engagement with the technology. The data shows that Nigerians are not only asking basic questions like "what is AI," which saw a 30% increase, but also exploring more practical applications. Searches for phrases like "create a logo with AI" and "design a website with AI" have surged by over 5,000%, indicating a strong interest in using AI to enhance personal and professional projects. Additionally, searches related to AI education, such as “AI courses” and “how to learn AI,” have seen a 50% rise, reflecting the country's eagerness to build expertise in this emerging field. Google’s West Africa Director, Olumide Balogun, attributes this trend to the potential of AI to drive innovation and economic progress in Nigeria. “AI is opening new doors for Nigerians, from boosting creativity to providing opportunities in business and beyond,” he remarked. To support this growing interest, Google is expanding its initiatives like the Hustle Academy and the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, which offer training and support to entrepreneurs and startups looking to harness AI for business growth. With these efforts, Nigeria is poised to become a leading player in the AI landscape, driving both local and global advancements in technology.
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