Nigeria's AI Future: Adoption Over Access, Experts Say

Tochi Kanu-Ivi, a Nigerian-born technologist and Customer Success Manager at UiPath, asserts that Nigeria's future in artificial intelligence (AI) hinges on adoption rather than just access. In a 2024 Google–Ipsos survey, 70% of Nigerian respondents reported using AI applications like ChatGPT, compared to 48% globally.

However, Kanu-Ivi points out that while many have experimented with AI, few have integrated it into their work processes to enhance productivity or service delivery. She introduced a five-step methodology called EDITT—Empathise, Diagnose, Ideate, Test, Translate—designed for non-technical professionals to effectively utilize AI in their jobs.

This framework includes understanding work-related fears, diagnosing barriers, generating use cases, conducting low-risk tests, and translating results into measurable value. Kanu-Ivi has made this framework available as a free online self-assessment tool.

She emphasizes that while awareness can be quickly generated, true adoption requires more substantial effort and time.