NEWS
NIGERIA LEADS THE WORLD IN AI ENTHUSIASM, SIGNALING AFRICA’S RISING DIGITAL FUTURE
Nigeria has emerged as the world’s most enthusiastic nation about artificial intelligence, overtaking many advanced economies and positioning itself at the forefront of a rapidly evolving global technological revolution.
New findings contained in the Digital 2026 Mid-Year Global Update Report reveal that 77 percent of Nigerian internet users aged 16 and above are excited about artificial intelligence, the highest figure recorded globally. Ghana followed closely behind with 73 percent, while Turkey and Brazil occupied the third and fourth positions respectively.
The report marks a significant shift in the global AI narrative. For years, artificial intelligence was largely viewed as a technological movement driven by innovation hubs in the United States, Europe, and parts of Asia. However, the latest data suggests that some of the strongest enthusiasm and optimism toward AI are now coming from emerging economies, particularly across Africa.
Further evidence of this growing trend was highlighted by the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute Survey 2025, one of the largest studies on public perception of AI. The survey, which sampled more than 61,000 respondents across 32 countries, found that an overwhelming 92 percent of people in both Nigeria and Ghana consider AI tools important in their daily lives.
The figures stand in sharp contrast to perceptions in several Western nations. Only 36 percent of respondents in the United Kingdom and 23 percent in France shared the same view, underscoring a widening gap in how different regions perceive the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence.
Technology experts attribute this divergence to differing economic realities and expectations. While many developed countries are increasingly concerned about issues such as job displacement, automation, privacy challenges, and regulatory concerns, citizens of many developing nations view AI as a powerful catalyst for economic growth, productivity enhancement, and social transformation.
The optimism surrounding artificial intelligence is particularly evident in the Global South. Research indicates that 58 percent of people in developing regions believe AI will generate more jobs than it eliminates. In contrast, only 35 percent of respondents in developed economies share that belief.
The trend is not limited to Africa alone. In the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a major AI player. Recent reports show that 81 percent of chief executives in the kingdom have integrated Generative AI into their business operations within the past year, with many expecting the technology to drive profitability, innovation, and long-term growth.
Analysts believe countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Brazil possess unique advantages in the emerging AI economy. Rather than replicating traditional industrial development models, these nations have the opportunity to leverage artificial intelligence to address critical challenges in healthcare, agriculture, education, financial services, and public administration.
For Nigeria in particular, the ranking represents more than just enthusiasm. It reflects a growing digital culture, an expanding technology ecosystem, increasing internet penetration, and a youthful population eager to embrace innovation. The country’s thriving startup ecosystem and growing pool of technology talent further strengthen its prospects of becoming a major force in the AI-driven future.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and economies worldwide, the latest rankings send a powerful message: the future of AI is no longer being defined solely in Silicon Valley, London, or Beijing. Emerging economies are increasingly becoming key participants in the global conversation, with Africa demonstrating a remarkable appetite for technological transformation.
Nigeria’s position at the top of the global enthusiasm rankings now places a new challenge before policymakers, innovators, investors, and technology leaders: transforming widespread excitement into meaningful innovation and ensuring the country evolves from being merely a consumer of artificial intelligence to becoming a leading creator of AI-powered solutions for the world.
Sources: Digital 2026 Mid-Year Global Update Report; Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute Survey 2025.