Google trends reveals 130% increase in Nigerians search on AI

Google Search trends on Wednesday revealed that searches on artificial intelligence (AI) have continued to increase around the world, with Nigeria recording a 130 percent increase in 2024.

The Director, West Africa, Google, Mr. Olumide Balogun, said in a statementthat in Nigeria, searches on AI doubled by 130 percent between January and July 2024, as against the same period in 2023.

Balogun said that search interest in AI had reached a record high around the world and in Nigeria.

He said that currently, Nigeria has the sixth highest search interest in AI in Africa and ranks 25th in AI search interest in the world.

The Google director said: “Nigerians are also interested in learning more about AI and how best to use it.

“Across Nigeria, the trends show that Google searches on cybersecurity and AI are up by 80 percent; on AI and healthcare, over 140 percent; and on AI and medicine, up by 50 percent, among others.

“AI has the potential to create opportunities from the extraordinary to the everyday for everyone, bringing new waves of innovation and social and economic progress.

“So, it is no surprise that Nigerians are already looking to make the most of this transformational technology and finding ways for it to boost their careers, creativity, and society.

“Searches for AI and courses have increased by 50 percent, while search interest in AI and business increased by 110 percent, and searches for AI and jobs increased by 640 percent,’’ he said.

Balogun said that, aligned with its commitment to AI as a force for positive societal change, Google offered free AI training programmes for Africans through its Hustle Academy.

He stressed that this initiative, designed for entrepreneurs, included modules specifically tailored to teach participants how to leverage AI to improve their businesses.

He said that since its launch in 2022, the Hustle Academy has empowered over 10,000 businesses.

According to him, additionally, Google supports promising AI-focused startups in Africa through its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that, through its initiatives, Google is also using AI to address some of society’s biggest challenges.

In Ghana, Google’s AI Centre is working in collaboration with InstaDeep and the United Nations to better detect locust outbreaks and implement control measures.

While in Kenya, Google is working with Jacaranda Health to improve maternal care, among other initiatives.