Nigeria becomes Africa's highest-ranked country for Responsible AI

Nigerian technology has made waves on the global stage once again. Just a few years ago, the country was making headlines for its innovative startup ecosystem. Today, it's making a name for itself as a leader in the responsible use of artificial intelligence. Nigeria has emerged as Africa's highest-ranked country for responsible AI, according to the latest Global Index on Responsible AI (GIRAI). This ranking is no small feat, Nigeria has climbed 42 places globally in just two years, surpassing Egypt and Kenya in the process.

The Global Index on Responsible AI is one of the most comprehensive assessments of responsible AI in the world. It evaluates 135 countries across five pillars: inclusion and diversity, ethics and sustainability, labour and skills, trust and safety, and AI use in public services. Nigeria's ranking comes as no surprise, given its deliberate policy efforts to strengthen its AI ecosystem. According to the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the government has accelerated work on its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS), expanded digital public infrastructure, invested in digital skills, developed governance frameworks for emerging technologies, and strengthened international partnerships to ensure AI is deployed responsibly.

Nigeria's ranking is evidence of the country's commitment to building an AI ecosystem that is inclusive, responsible, and aligned with its development priorities. The benefits of this ecosystem are clear: AI is projected to contribute about $1.2 trillion to the continent's economy by 2030, boosting GDP by 5.6%. This is a significant opportunity for Nigeria and other African countries to attract AI investment, create jobs, and drive economic growth. As Minister Bosun Tijani noted, "Africa must not only participate in the AI revolution but also contribute meaningfully to shaping how these technologies are governed and deployed globally."

The trend towards responsible AI is not unique to Nigeria or Africa. Governments globally are racing to establish governance frameworks that keep pace with rapid advances in artificial intelligence. According to a report from the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, global corporate investment in AI almost tripled from about $200 billion in 2023 to $581.7 billion in 2025. However, the report also found that public governance capacity remains weak, with only about 35 out of 100 globally average GIRAI scores. This highlights the need for countries like Nigeria to continue investing in their AI ecosystems and governance frameworks.

Nigeria's ranking is a positive trend for the continent as a whole. As the global AI market continues to grow, African countries will need to continue investing in their AI ecosystems and governance frameworks. This will require collaboration between governments, the private sector, and civil society to ensure that AI is deployed responsibly and benefits all stakeholders. As I write this, I'm reminded of the African proverb, "When spiders weave their webs, they always have Africa in their sights." In the context of AI, this proverb takes on a new meaning, Nigeria's ranking is evidence of the continent's potential to shape the future of AI.

Nigeria's emergence as Africa's highest-ranked country for responsible AI marks a new chapter in the country's journey towards becoming a major player in the global AI landscape. With its commitment to building an inclusive, responsible, and aligned AI ecosystem, Nigeria is well-positioned to reap the benefits of the AI revolution. As the country continues to invest in its AI ecosystem and governance frameworks, it will be exciting to see how it contributes to shaping the future of AI globally.

As I reflect on Nigeria's achievement, I'm struck by the potential for the country to drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the lives of its citizens. The ranking is evidence of the power of deliberate policy efforts and a commitment to building a strong AI ecosystem. It's a story that will continue to unfold in the coming years, and one that I look forward to following closely.

• Nigeria has emerged as Africa's highest-ranked country for responsible AI.
• The country has climbed 42 places globally in just two years.
• Nigeria's ranking comes as African countries race to attract AI investment, with AI projected to contribute about $1.2 trillion to the continent's economy by 2030.
• The government has accelerated work on its National Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NAIS) and expanded digital public infrastructure.
• Minister Bosun Tijani noted that "Africa must not only participate in the AI revolution but also contribute meaningfully to shaping how these technologies are governed and deployed globally."