Google Search trends on Wednesday revealed that searches on Artificial Intelligence (AI) have continued to increase globally, with Nigeria recording a 130 percent increase in 2024.
The Director of Google West Africa, Mr. Olumide Balogun, stated that in Nigeria, searches on AI doubled by 130 percent from January to July 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
Balogun noted that search interest in AI had reached a record high both globally and in Nigeria.
He mentioned that Nigeria currently has the sixth-highest search interest in AI in Africa and ranks 25th globally.
The Google director said: “Nigerians are also interested in learning more about AI and how best to use it.
“Across Nigeria, trends show that Google searches on cybersecurity and AI are up by 80 percent; AI and healthcare have increased by over 140 percent; and AI and medicine are up by 50 percent, among other trends.
“AI has the potential to create opportunities, from the extraordinary to the everyday, for everyone, bringing new waves of innovation, 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 to use it to boost their careers, creativity, and society.
“Searches for AI courses have increased by 50 percent, while search interest in AI and business has risen by 110 percent, and searches for AI and jobs have surged by 640 percent,’’ he said.
Balogun added that, in line with its commitment to AI as a force for positive societal change, Google offers free AI training programs for Africans through its Hustle Academy.
He emphasized that this initiative, designed for entrepreneurs, includes modules specifically tailored to teach participants how to leverage AI to improve their businesses.
Since its launch in 2022, the Hustle Academy has empowered over 10,000 businesses.
According to him, Google also supports promising AI-focused startups in Africa through its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program.
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 Center is collaborating with InstaDeep and the United Nations to better detect locust outbreaks and implement control measures.
In Kenya, Google is working with Jacaranda Health to improve maternal care, among other initiatives.
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