Nigeria Leads the World in AI Enthusiasm as Africa Embraces the Future

Nigeria Leads the World in AI Enthusiasm as Africa Embraces the Future

Nigeria has emerged as the world's most enthusiastic nation about artificial intelligence, signaling a major shift in the global technology landscape.

According to the Digital 2026 Mid-Year Global Update Report, an impressive 77% of Nigerian internet users aged 16 and above say they are excited about AI, placing the country at the top of the global rankings. Ghana followed closely with 73%, while Turkey and Brazil rounded out the top four.

The findings challenge the traditional belief that cutting-edge technologies are mainly embraced by developed nations. Instead, enthusiasm for AI appears strongest in many emerging economies.

Further evidence comes from a 2025 survey by the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, which gathered responses from more than 61,000 people across 32 countries. The study revealed that 92% of respondents in both Nigeria and Ghana consider AI tools important in their daily lives. By comparison, only 36% of people in the United Kingdom and 23% in France shared the same view.

Experts attribute the difference to perception. While many developed countries focus on concerns such as job displacement, privacy risks, and automation, developing nations increasingly view AI as a pathway to innovation, productivity, and economic growth.

Research also shows that 58% of people in the Global South believe AI will create more jobs than it eliminates, compared to just 35% in the Global North.

As AI adoption accelerates worldwide, Nigeria's leading position raises a crucial question: Can Africa move beyond using AI and become a global powerhouse in creating AI-driven solutions for the future?