Nigeria has been ranked 106th globally in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, according to a new study by Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute, with data reviewed by TechDigest.
The AI Diffusion Report 2025 shows that AI usage in Nigeria rose slightly from 8.7 per cent in the first half of 2025 to 9.3 per cent in the second half, representing a marginal increase of 0.6 percentage points. Despite the growth, TechDigest notes that Nigeria remains far below the global average and continues to lag behind many emerging and developed economies.
According to the Microsoft report analysed by TechDigest, global AI adoption increased to 16.3 per cent in the second half of 2025, up from 15.1 per cent in the first half of the year. This means that roughly one in six people worldwide now use generative AI tools for work, learning, or problem-solving.
However, the report highlights a widening global digital divide. AI adoption in the Global North grew nearly twice as fast as in the Global South, with 24.7 per cent of the working-age population in advanced economies using AI, compared to just 14.1 per cent in developing regions such as Africa.
Countries that invested early in digital infrastructure, AI skills, and public-sector deployment continue to dominate the rankings. The United Arab Emirates topped the global list with 64 per cent AI adoption, followed by Singapore at 60.9 per cent. Norway, Ireland, France, and Spain also ranked among the world’s leading AI users.
Within Africa, TechDigest observed that Nigeria’s low ranking reflects broader structural challenges, including limited access to advanced digital infrastructure, skills gaps, and affordability constraints. The report places Nigeria among several African countries where AI adoption remains in single digits or low double digits, despite growing smartphone penetration and increased internet usage.
The Microsoft study also points to the growing influence of open and free AI platforms across Africa. Open-source tools and cost-free AI services are gaining traction by lowering financial and technical barriers, but the report warns that accessibility alone is not enough to drive sustained adoption without coordinated national strategies.
