Nigeria has ranked as the world’s most enthusiastic country about artificial intelligence (AI), with 77 per cent of internet users aged 16 and above expressing excitement about the technology, according to the Digital 2026 Mid-Year Global Update Report.
Ghana placed second with 73 per cent, while Turkey and Brazil followed in third and fourth positions respectively, highlighting strong AI interest across emerging economies.
Further findings from the Future Investment Initiative (FII) Institute, based on a survey of more than 61,000 people across 32 countries, showed that 92 per cent of respondents in both Nigeria and Ghana consider AI important in their daily lives. This compares with 36 per cent in the United Kingdom and 23 per cent in France.
Experts attribute the difference to varying perceptions of AI. While developed nations often focus on concerns such as job losses, privacy and automation, many developing countries view the technology as a driver of economic growth, productivity and opportunity.
The report also found that 58 per cent of people in the Global South believe AI will create more jobs than it eliminates, compared to 35 per cent in the Global North.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to expand AI adoption, with 81 per cent of chief executives reportedly integrating generative AI into their operations over the past year.
Analysts say countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Brazil are well-positioned to use AI to address challenges in healthcare, education, agriculture, finance and public services. The findings underscore the growing role of emerging markets in shaping the future of artificial intelligence, while raising questions about Africa’s ability to move from AI consumption to innovation and development.