Nigeria Ranked World’s Most AI-Excited Nation
New Report Highlights Nigeria’s AI Confidence
NIGERIA has emerged as the most optimistic nation regarding artificial intelligence, according to a new international study that measures public attitudes toward emerging technologies.
The Digital 2026 Mid-Year Global Update Report found that 77 per cent of Nigerian internet users expressed excitement about AI, giving the country the highest score worldwide.
The result underscores the growing appetite for technological innovation across Africa and signals a changing global technology landscape.
Developing Economies Take the Lead
The report’s rankings were dominated by emerging markets rather than traditional technology powerhouses.
Ghana secured second place with 73 per cent, followed by Turkey, Brazil and Egypt. Kenya also featured prominently among the leading countries demonstrating positive attitudes toward AI.
The rankings suggest that enthusiasm for artificial intelligence is increasingly strongest in countries where technology is viewed as a tool for accelerating economic and social development.
Why Optimism Is Higher in Emerging Markets
Researchers believe attitudes toward AI differ significantly between developing and developed economies.
In many advanced nations, public debate often centres on concerns surrounding employment disruption, data privacy and ethical risks.
By contrast, people in emerging economies frequently view AI through the lens of opportunity, seeing it as a means to improve productivity, expand access to services and support economic inclusion.
This perspective helps explain why countries such as Nigeria and Ghana recorded exceptionally high levels of confidence in AI technologies.
AI Becoming Part of Everyday Life
The Future Investment Initiative Institute’s global survey further revealed the extent to which AI has already become integrated into daily life in parts of Africa.
An overwhelming 92 per cent of respondents in Nigeria and Ghana reported that AI tools play an important role in their everyday activities.
The figure far exceeds levels recorded in countries such as the United Kingdom and France, highlighting a growing divergence in how different regions perceive the technology’s benefits.
The Next Challenge for Africa
While enthusiasm remains high, experts caution that excitement alone will not guarantee long-term technological leadership.
For countries like Nigeria, the next stage will involve building the infrastructure, talent and innovation ecosystems necessary to develop indigenous AI solutions.
Analysts note that sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, finance and public services present enormous opportunities for AI-driven transformation.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies worldwide, Nigeria’s strong public confidence may provide a foundation for deeper innovation and investment.
A Shift in Global Technology Influence
The findings point to a broader change in the global technology landscape.
Artificial intelligence is no longer a conversation dominated exclusively by Western economies. Instead, emerging markets are becoming increasingly influential in determining how the technology is adopted, applied and developed.
For Nigeria, leading the global enthusiasm rankings is both a recognition of its growing digital ambitions and a reminder of the work required to transform optimism into innovation-led growth.
