A recent report by Public First has revealed that Google’s tools and services contributed an estimated $1.8 billion to Nigeria’s economy in 2023, highlighting the significant role digital technologies play in the country’s growth.
According to the Nigeria Digital Opportunity report released on Thursday, key services such as Google Search, Ads, Google Play, YouTube, and Google Cloud helped boost productivity for Nigerian businesses, creators, and workers. Google’s initiatives, including its digital skills programs and the Career Certificates Program, also had a significant impact, with over 1.5 million young Nigerians gaining new digital skills in 2023.
Digital Growth Potential in Nigeria
The report emphasizes the vast potential for Nigeria’s digital economy to continue growing. It revealed that for every $1 invested in digital technology in Nigeria, over $8 in economic value is generated. This underscores the importance of digital tools like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and connectivity in shaping the country’s economic future.
Additionally, the study estimates that AI alone could contribute an extra $15 billion to Nigeria’s economy by 2030. Google’s commitment to responsible AI development is expected to play a key role in this growth. To fully harness AI’s potential, the report recommends stronger cloud-first policies and improved digital infrastructure, alongside a focus on enhancing STEM education and AI literacy to equip Nigeria’s workforce better.
Calls for Continued Investment
Commenting on the findings, Google’s Director for West Africa, Olumide Balogun, stressed the importance of continued investment in digital skills and infrastructure. “We’re thrilled to see the positive impact that digital technology is having on Nigeria’s economy. This report underscores the importance of continued investment in digital skills and infrastructure to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s vibrant digital economy,” Balogun said.
Amy Price, Director & Head of Technology Policy at Public First, added, “Nigeria is a digital front-runner in Africa, and tech investment will be a powerful catalyst for further growth and development across the country. This is particularly true when it comes to connectivity, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence.”
The report offers a roadmap for policymakers to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem further, positioning the country for even greater economic gains in the future.
